Detection of bacteria and viruses in the pleural effusion of children and adults with community-acquired pneumonia

Aim: To study the etiology and the utility of new molecular methods in the diagnosis of complicated pneumonia with empyema. Materials & methods: Bacteria and viruses detection was performed by several traditional and molecular methods in the pleural fluid (PF) of 60 patients (38 children) with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Results: Despite prior antimicrobial therapy in 49 (81.7%) CAP patients, an etiological diagnosis could be established in 41 (68.3%), 35 being (58.3%) Streptococcus pneumoniae. PF culture was positive in only 6 patients but each molecular test detected more than 82% of cases. Conclusion: Traditional culture methods have poor diagnostic sensitivity in PF because most CAP patients are under antimicrobial therapy when it is obtained. S. pneumoniae detection by molecular methods highly improves diagnosis.