1/11/2024 0 Comments Pathology definition![]() ![]() Histopathologic and cytopathologic studies often allow for the definitive establishment or exclusion of a wide variety of diseases. The anatomic pathologist, by providing the morphologic interpretation of biopsies and cytologic preparations, is an important member of the diagnostic team. The differential diagnosis generated at the bedside through patient history and physical examination is narrowed through consultation and thoughtfully ordered radiographic and laboratory studies. The diagnosis of complex diseases, infectious or otherwise, requires the collaborative efforts of clinicians, radiologists, and pathologists. In this article, we review methods used in the pathologic diagnosis of infections, emphasizing the critical role of the anatomic pathologist in the diagnosis of both routine and emerging infectious diseases. Closer to home, and of more immediate concern, is the diagnosis and treatment of opportunistic infections that affect the ever-growing population of patients with iatrogenic, inherited, or acquired immunodeficiencies. These factors, combined with the ease of long-distance travel, make it certain that clinicians and laboratory workers alike will encounter diseases exotic to their routine practices. Furthermore, global environmental changes, such as human encroachment into previously wild ecosystems, deforestation, damming of river systems, expansion of irrigation systems, and possibly changes induced by global warming, are likely to alter the current patterns of infectious diseases, particularly vector-associated or parasitic diseases. ![]() Nevertheless, new pathogens continuously emerge, old adversaries reappear when suitable conditions such as war or famine exist, and microbes continue to develop resistance, even to the new broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents. Most of the developed world and much of the developing world have been spared from devastating diseases, such as smallpox, diphtheria, and paralytic poliomyelitis, through vaccination and worldwide eradication efforts. Through appropriate morphologic diagnoses and interlaboratory communication and collaboration, the anatomic pathologist contributes greatly to the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases.Įmerging and reemerging infectious diseases and the threat of bioterrorism call attention to the growing importance of the ability of the anatomic pathologist to recognize infectious diseases. Highly specific molecular techniques, such as immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and nucleic acid amplification, may be needed in certain instances to establish the diagnosis of infection. Although some microorganisms or their cytopathic effects may be clearly visible on routine hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections, additional histochemical stains are often needed for their complete characterization. ![]() Once the pathologist has determined that a disease is likely to be due to an infection and has characterized the inflammatory response, associated microorganisms or viral-associated cytopathic effects should be recorded. The morphologic interpretation of biopsies and cytologic preparations allows for the definitive establishment or exclusion of a wide variety of diseases. The anatomic pathologist performs an important role in the diagnosis or exclusion of infectious diseases. ![]()
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