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Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization and Polymerase Chain Reaction to Detect Infections in Patients With Left
Felix Schoenrath1,2, Laura Kursawe3, Gaik Nersesian1
1From the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, German Heart Center Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
ASAIO Journal (American Society for Artificial Internal Organs : 1992)
|January 8, 2021
Summary
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) combined with 16S rRNA gene sequencing offers a more comprehensive diagnosis of driveline infections in left ventricular assist device (LVAD) patients than standard cultures. This advanced method identifies a wider range of pathogens and their characteristics.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiovascular Surgery
Background:
- Driveline infections are a significant complication following left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation.
- Conventional microbiological cultures often provide limited or unsatisfactory diagnostic information in complex LVAD cases.
- Accurate identification of pathogens is crucial for effective treatment of LVAD-related infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) combined with 16S rRNA gene sequencing for diagnosing LVAD driveline infections.
- To compare the diagnostic capabilities of FISH/16S rRNA gene sequencing with standard microbiological culture methods.
- To assess the ability of FISH/16S rRNA gene sequencing to provide detailed information on pathogen characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-one LVAD drivelines from 60 patients were analyzed using FISH and 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing were employed to identify microorganisms.
- Results were compared against conventional microbiological cultures.
Main Results:
- FISH/16S rRNA gene sequencing identified a broader spectrum and greater variety of microorganisms compared to standard cultures.
- Conventional cultures primarily detected common skin flora, whereas FISH/16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed a more diverse bacterial profile.
- FISH/16S rRNA gene sequencing provided additional insights into pathogen spatial distribution, invasiveness, and biofilm state.
Conclusions:
- FISH combined with 16S rRNA gene sequencing is a superior diagnostic tool for LVAD driveline infections.
- This advanced molecular technique offers more comprehensive microbiological information than traditional culture methods.
- The detailed pathogen data obtained from FISH/16S rRNA gene sequencing aids in understanding and managing LVAD-related infections.
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