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Updated: Jun 27, 2025
Experimental Model to Evaluate Resolution of Pneumonia
Published on: February 17, 2023
Evaluation of the Pneumonia Panel on laboratory samples from an Italian pediatric center: results from a monocentric
Cristiana de Luca1, Emanuela Gallo1, Gabriella Tripepi1
1Laboratory of Microbiology, Azienda Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale Santobono-Pausilipon, Hospital Santobono, Naples, Italy.
Abstract:
Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) are still burdened by considerable morbidity and mortality. Rapid and appropriate treatment imply knowledge of the underlying causative pathogen; while it is tempting to offer broad spectrum antibiotics, Antimicrobial Stewardship Practices invite a judicious use of the latter, especially when bacteria are not the cause. However, the epidemiology shifts to multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens that require optimization of molecules in order to provide optimal treatment. Novel methods requiring direct sample result testing such as the Biofire Pneumonia (PN) panel have recently been made available on the market. Syndromic testing may hence provide support in the diagnosis of LRTI. There is paucity of data concerning experiences in high MDR settings, and even less concerning the performance of these panels in pediatric settings with moderate MDR prevalence. Our study highlights the optimal sensitivity and importance of support from such methods in settings burdened by MDR presence and where fast and appropriate therapy is mandatory.
Insights
Rapid syndromic testing aids in diagnosing lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) by identifying pathogens. This approach supports antimicrobial stewardship and optimizes treatment, especially with rising multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality.
- Antimicrobial Stewardship Practices necessitate judicious antibiotic use, especially when pathogens are non-bacterial.
- Increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens complicates LRTI treatment, requiring optimized therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of novel syndromic testing methods for LRTI diagnosis.
- To assess the utility of direct sample result testing in settings with moderate to high multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogen prevalence.
- To investigate the application of these panels in pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Biofire Pneumonia (PN) panel for direct sample testing in LRTI cases.
- Focused on evaluating the panel's performance in a clinical setting characterized by significant MDR pathogen presence.
- Included a pediatric cohort with moderate MDR prevalence to assess applicability in younger patients.
Main Results:
- The syndromic testing panel demonstrated optimal sensitivity in pathogen detection for LRTI.
- The method provided crucial support for timely and accurate diagnosis in an MDR-burdened environment.
- Data highlights the effectiveness of direct sample testing in guiding appropriate therapy.
Conclusions:
- Syndromic testing panels are valuable tools for the diagnosis of LRTI, particularly in settings with high MDR prevalence.
- These methods support antimicrobial stewardship by enabling rapid pathogen identification and targeted treatment.
- The study underscores the importance of such diagnostic approaches for optimizing patient care in challenging epidemiological contexts.
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