Evaluating the transition from multidrug-resistant bacterial colonization to lower respiratory tract infection in

Montserrat Piñana1, M Ángeles Clari1, Gerardo Aguilar2

  • 1Microbiology Service, Clinic University Hospital, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain.

Abstract

Insights

The BioFire® FilmArray Pneumonia Plus Panel (FA-PP) can help identify links between multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB) colonization and ventilator-associated lower respiratory infection (LRTI). This diagnostic tool aids in understanding MDRB transmission in critical care settings.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Ventilator-associated lower respiratory infection (LRTI) is a significant concern in critical care.
  • Multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB) pose a growing threat, complicating LRTI diagnosis and treatment.
  • Understanding the relationship between MDRB colonization and subsequent LRTI is crucial for effective infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the utility of the BioFire® FilmArray Pneumonia Plus Panel (FA-PP) in assessing the link between MDRB colonization and LRTI.
  • To compare the diagnostic performance of FA-PP with traditional culture methods for MDRB detection in LRTI.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study involving 376 patients requiring surveillance for MDRB.
  • Endotracheal aspirates were analyzed in parallel using FA-PP and semiquantitative cultures.
  • Analysis focused on identifying MDRB colonization and subsequent LRTI caused by matched strains.

Main Results:

  • MDRB colonization was detected in 34.8% of patients (131/376).
  • Ten patients developed LRTI caused by MDRB strains matching surveillance cultures.
  • FA-PP identified MDRB in 2 patients missed by culture and detected MDRB in 6/15 non-colonized patients who later developed MDRB LRTI.

Conclusions:

  • The FA-PP shows promise as an ancillary tool for diagnosing LRTI.
  • It can aid in assessing the relationship between MDRB colonization and the development of LRTI by matched strains.
  • Integrating FA-PP into LRTI diagnostic workflows may improve the understanding and management of MDRB infections.