[Comparison between blood culture and in-situ hybridization of bacteria]

We compared blood culture and in situ hybridization method (Hybrisep) to detect bacteria in blood samples. One thousand and two hundred and sixty nine blood culture samples were tested in 2003 in our hospital. One hundred and sixty seven samples (13.1%) were positive for bacteria. Total number of detected bacteria was 178. Of 178 bacteria, 49.4% was gram positive, 32.6% was gram negative, 13.5% was Candida spp., and 4.5% was anaerobic. Twenty five samples were tested with both blood culture and Hybrisep. Three samples were positive for both methods, and 13 samples were negative for both methods. The identical results were obtained in 64% of samples. Although the microscopic determination of positive signals in Hybrisep requires trained skills, Hybrisep may be a rapid and sensitive method providing valuable information to diagnose sepsis with an automated equipment and an increased number of probes.