Rapid Diagnosis of Infection in the Critically Ill

Polymerase chain reaction/electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry provides pathogen identification in about 6 hours and appears to be significantly more sensitive than standard culture.

Rapid pathogen identification is essential for optimal management of patients with severe infections. Results from standard culture methods usually take ≥48 hours and are often false-negative for various reasons, including antibiotic pretreatment. To overcome such limitations, researchers have been developing culture-independent technologies. Polymerase chain reaction/electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS), for example, can detect >800 different pathogens — and identify markers associated with methicillin, vancomycin, and carbapenem resistance — in a single assay in about 6 hours.

In a partially industry-sponsored study involving 529 critically ill adults with suspected or proven severe infections, researchers compared PCR/ES…

Reviewing Author

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

Rapid Diagnosis of Infection in the Critically Ill

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Reviewing Author