Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

Triggering receptor (TREM-1) expressed on myeloid cells predicts bacteremia better than clinical variables in

Agustin Ruiz-González1, Aureli Esquerda, Miquel Falguera

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Arnau de Vilanova University Hospital, Institut de Recerca Biomédica de Lleida, Lleida, Spain. agustinruiz@saludalia.com

Respirology (Carlton, Vic.)
|December 1, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) serum levels show higher accuracy than clinical factors in predicting bacteremia in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients. This biomarker may improve early identification of bloodstream infections.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Bacteremia is a serious complication of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).
  • Established clinical variables have limitations in accurately predicting bacteremia in CAP patients.
  • The diagnostic utility of soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) for bacteremia in CAP requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the accuracy of serum sTREM-1 levels in predicting positive blood cultures in CAP patients.
  • To compare the predictive performance of sTREM-1 against established clinical prognostic variables.

Main Methods:

  • Serum sTREM-1 levels were measured using an immunoassay on admission in CAP patients.
  • Clinical and laboratory data were collected for all participants.
  • Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was employed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of sTREM-1 and clinical variables for bacteremia.

Main Results:

  • Bacteremia was identified in 10.4% of CAP patients, primarily by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  • sTREM-1 demonstrated a higher area under the ROC curve (AUC=0.84) for predicting bacteremia compared to pleuritic chest pain (AUC=0.71), tachycardia (AUC=0.73), and extreme white cell count (AUC=0.70).
  • Low admission sTREM-1 levels (<120 pg/mL) exhibited a high negative predictive value (98.8%) for excluding bacteremia.

Conclusions:

  • Serum sTREM-1 levels may serve as a more accurate biomarker than traditional clinical variables for identifying bacteremic CAP patients.
  • This preliminary study highlights the potential of sTREM-1 as a valuable tool for early bacteremia detection in CAP.
  • Further research is warranted to validate these findings in larger cohorts.

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...