Diagnostic performance of multiplex PCR on pulmonary samples versus nasopharyngeal aspirates in community-acquired severe lower respiratory tract infections

Acute lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The identification of causative agents in severe community-acquired LRTI is mandatory for efficient clinical monitoring and treatment as clinical signs are poor etiological indicators. Until recently, two laboratory approaches have been used: one to identify bacterial infections from various pulmonary samples such as sputum, endotracheal aspirates, or bronchoalveolar lavage and one to identify respiratory viruses from nasopharyngeal aspirates, using generally low sensitivity assays, such as viral culture or antigen detection.
Source: Journal of Clinical Virology - Category: Virology Authors: Source Type: research