Respiratory
Image Set 15 - (Sparrow 10IIC12) Aspiration pneumonia
Results: 0-5 Epith./lpf || 20-30 WBC's/hpf || Numerous gram negative coccobacilli || Numerous gram positive cocci in pairs and chains || Numerous gram negative rods || Numerous gram negative diplococci
Note: The mixed flora seen in this gram stain in the absence of large numbers of squamous epithelial cells is suggestive of aspiration pneumonia. In other words, this slide would look like a poor sputum specimen if more epithelial cells were present. The culture result would probably contain non-pathogenic organisms such as Neisseria sp., Alpha Strep., and aerobic and anaerobic gram negative rods. This type of aspiration is more typical for a patient who has not been hospitalized for long.
Aspiration pneumonia 01
Aspiration pneumonia 02
Aspiration pneumonia 03
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