Numerous Mesothelial Cells in Tuberculous Pleural Effusions

Diagnosis and Treatment of Tuberculous Pleural Effusion in 2006

“…This finding is most likely the result of chronic pleural inflammation that prevents exfoliation of mesothelial cells into pleural cavity. 33 However, there have been case reports of TB pleural effusions with numerous mesothelial cells 34 analogous to reports in HIV-infected individuals. 35 Similarly, pleural fluid eosinophilia considerably reduces the probability of TB unless the patient has a concomitant pneumothorax or a previous traumatic thoracentesis that has resulted in pleural space hemorrhage.…”

Tuberculosis revisited: Cytological perspective

“…The possibility of a positive pleural fluid culture shows negative correlation with lymphocyte percentage in pleural fluid . Mesothelial cells are usually scanty in tuberculous pleural effusion compared with other reactive conditions, but their presence does not exclude the diagnosis of tuberculosis . Numerous mesothelial cells can be found in pleural fluid in HIV patients, possibly due to altered immune response .…”