ANALYSIS OF MYCOPLASMAL PLEURAL EFFUSION BY THE POLYMERASE CHAIN-REACTION

Ten pediatric patients with mycoplasmal pleuritis were tested for the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in pleural fluid by the polymerase c hain reaction (PCR). Three of the four PCR positive cases left a persi stent consolidation. The remaining one was an infant who required mech anical ventilation. PCR may be useful in predicting delayed resolution of roentgenographic abnormality.