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Optimization of pathogen detection in abscess specimens: a 6-year retrospective study
Qiangsheng Feng1, Xiaoqing Ha1, Wenyun Guo2
1Department of Clinical Laboratory, the 940Th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of People's Liberation Army, Lanzhou, 730050, China.
European Journal of Medical Research
|July 14, 2025
Summary
Optimized diagnostic protocols significantly improved abscess pathogen detection rates by 20.1%, enhancing identification of diverse bacteria and aiding infectious disease management. Comprehensive methods are recommended for abscess specimen processing.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Abscess diagnostics traditionally face challenges in comprehensive pathogen identification.
- Optimizing diagnostic protocols is crucial for improving accuracy in clinical microbiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of enhanced diagnostic protocols on pathogen detection rates in abscess specimens.
- To assess the clinical utility of a multi-method approach for abscess analysis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1,297 abscess specimens (2018-2024).
- Implementation of an enhanced protocol: aerobic/anaerobic culture, Gram stain, acid-fast bacilli staining, and blood culture bottle enrichment.
- Comparison with conventional diagnostic methods.
Main Results:
- Optimized protocols significantly increased pathogen detection (P < 0.001), achieving an 81.9% positivity rate (20.1% improvement).
- Gram-negative bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli, were predominant (50.6%).
- Enhanced methods identified 261 additional pathogens, including anaerobes and acid-fast bacilli, improving diagnostic yield.
Conclusions:
- Systematic optimization of diagnostic protocols substantially enhances pathogen detection in abscesses.
- These findings support the adoption of comprehensive, standardized diagnostic approaches for improved infectious disease management.
