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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
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Identification of Rare Bacterial Pathogens by 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS
Published on: July 11, 2016
Rapid identification of microbial pathogens in intra-abdominal infections using multiplex PCR
Johanna Bückner1, Uwe Groß2, Nils Kunze-Szikszay3
1Department of General, Visceral, and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology
|August 6, 2026
Summary
Multiplex PCR offers rapid pathogen detection for intra-abdominal infections (IAI), identifying more anaerobes than conventional culture. While not a replacement, it aids earlier antimicrobial decisions in IAI management.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Intra-abdominal infections (IAI) from hollow viscus perforation carry high morbidity and mortality.
- Accurate and rapid pathogen identification is critical for effective antimicrobial therapy in polymicrobial IAIs.
- Point-of-care (POC) diagnostics may improve turnaround times compared to conventional methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the performance of real-time multiplex PCR (Unyvero A50) with conventional microbiological culture (cMB) for pathogen detection in IAIs.
- To evaluate turnaround times, pathogen detection rates, and microbial distribution between the two diagnostic methods.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study including 50 patients with suspected hollow organ perforation or peritonitis.
- Two intraoperative samples collected per patient: one for multiplex PCR and one for cMB.
- Descriptive assessment of turnaround times, pathogen detection, resistance markers, and microbial distribution.
Main Results:
- PCR results were available within 1-2 days (n=41), while cMB results required ≥2 days (n=50).
- Complete concordance between PCR and cMB was 29% (12/41); PCR identified additional pathogens in 49% (20/41) of cases.
- PCR detected anaerobic bacteria more frequently (44%) than cMB (24%).
Conclusions:
- Multiplex PCR is a valuable complementary tool for rapid detection of selected pathogens, including anaerobes, in IAIs.
- While not replacing conventional culture, PCR can support earlier antimicrobial decision-making.
- Further multicenter studies are needed to confirm clinical utility in routine diagnostic workflows.
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