Rapid Detection of Pathogenic Bacteria in Whole Blood Samples Using 23S rRNA PCR Assays

Abstract

Purpose:Bloodstream infections are a general cause of death among hospitalized patients. Rapid diagnosis and timely treatment can reduce mortality. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the 23S rRNA PCR assays as a rapid detection method for diagnose of sepsis in patients with suspected bacteremia.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted at Shahid Beheshti University Hospital in Kashan from November 2017 to December 2018. The blood samples of 265 patients with suspected bacteremia were studied by blood culture and 23S rRNA PCR techniques. The results were analyzed using SPSS version 16 and Chi-square test.Results:Eighty (30.2%) blood samples of 265 suspected patients, were identified as positive by PCR assays, whereas 27 (10.2%) were identified as positive by the blood culture technique. The statistical analysis showed a significant association between the results of PCR assays and blood culture and factors such as prior antibiotic use and underlying diseases (P˂0.05). Also a significant correlation was observed between laboratory and clinical criteria and the results of both PCR assays and blood culture (P˂ 0.05).Conclusion:The 23S rRNA PCR method is a rapid and sensitive technique specially for diagnosing sepsis among patients in whom bacteremia is difficult to diagnose with culture method including neonates and patients who have taken antibiotics before microbial culture.