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Assessing the Utility of Multiplexed Polymerase Chain Reaction in Detecting Microorganisms Causing Infections in
Pedro Garrido1, Xavier Gabaldó-Barrios2, Isabel Pujol-Bajador2,3
1Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Universitari de Sant Joan, Salut Sant Joan de Reus-Baix Camp, Av. Dr. Josep Laporte 2, 43204, Reus, Spain.
Current Microbiology
|September 21, 2023
Summary
Multiplexed PCR significantly speeds up microorganism identification in sepsis patients compared to traditional cultures. This rapid molecular diagnostic method aids in timely antibiotic therapy adjustments, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Early sepsis diagnosis is critical for effective antibiotic treatment and patient survival.
- Traditional microbiological cultures have lengthy turnaround times, delaying appropriate therapy.
- Multiplexed PCR offers a potential solution for rapid pathogen detection in septic patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of multiplexed PCR on initial antibiotic treatment in critical septic patients.
- To compare the performance of multiplexed PCR with microbiological culture for microorganism detection.
- To identify clinical scenarios where PCR demonstrates superior effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 119 specimens (83 blood, 36 respiratory) from 93 patients.
- Utilized FA-BCID Panel for blood samples and FA-Pneumo for respiratory samples (multiplexed PCR).
- Comparison of PCR turnaround times (1.5-1.7 hours) against blood (96.1 hours) and respiratory (72.3 hours) cultures.
Main Results:
- PCR turnaround times were substantially faster than conventional cultures.
- FA-BCID showed 97% sensitivity and 100% specificity; FA-Pneumo showed 100% sensitivity and 90% specificity.
- PCR results indicated a need to change empirical antibiotic treatment in 71% of bloodstream and 61% of respiratory infections.
Conclusions:
- Multiplexed PCR significantly reduces pathogen identification time compared to cultures.
- PCR demonstrates high concordance with blood cultures and moderate with respiratory cultures.
- Rapid molecular diagnostics like PCR are crucial for optimizing antibiotic therapy selection in sepsis.
