Diagnostic pitfalls in infectious disease pathology
Hofman, P.; Huerre, M.
Annales de Pathologie 21(5): 411-424
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0242-6498 PMID: 11852359 Document Number: 535914
Numerous images observed in histopathology and cytopathology can mimic pathogens such as mycotic agents, parasites (protozoa or helminthes), bacteria or virus. An error of diagnosis may provoke the administration of a non efficient treatment which can also be toxic. The present review describes these false pathogens which can correspond to exogenous or endogenous agents. Basic morphological analysis of mycotic agents, parasites, bacteria and cytopathogenic viral effects are successively presented. Then, the main diagnostic pitfalls which can be observed during these infections are exposed. Finally, diagnostic problems occurring in case of contamination are rapidly cited.