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[Atypical pneumonia with positive cold agglutinins (author's transl)]

H H Hennemann

    Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
    |January 28, 1977
    PubMed

    Insights

    Cold agglutinin titres can help diagnose atypical pneumonia, especially when Mycoplasma pneumoniae antibodies are not detected. This finding aids in identifying pneumonia cases with delayed recovery.

    Area of Science:

    • Infectious Diseases
    • Immunology

    Context:

    • Atypical pneumonia presents diagnostic challenges.
    • Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a common cause of atypical pneumonia.
    • Cold agglutinins are antibodies that clump red blood cells at cold temperatures.

    Purpose:

    • To investigate the role of cold agglutinin titres in diagnosing atypical pneumonia.
    • To explore the correlation between cold agglutinins and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.
    • To assess the diagnostic utility of cold agglutinins when serological tests for Mycoplasma pneumoniae are inconclusive.

    Summary:

    • 16 patients with atypical pneumonia showed elevated cold agglutinin titres.
    • Mycoplasma pneumoniae antibodies were detected in 7 cases; diagnosis was uncertain in 9 cases.
    • Cold agglutinin titres peak within 2-3 weeks and normalize in 4-6 weeks, aiding retrospective diagnosis.

    Impact:

    • Cold agglutinin testing provides a valuable diagnostic marker for atypical pneumonia, particularly when Mycoplasma pneumoniae cannot be confirmed serologically.
    • The study highlights the clinical similarity between cold agglutinin-positive atypical pneumonias and Mycoplasma pneumonias.
    • Delayed convalescence is a notable feature in these patients, underscoring the need for accurate diagnosis and management.

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