Real-Time PCR for Diagnosing Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia

A commercially available assay performed well in a multicenter evaluation involving at-risk patients.

Although polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has shown promise in diagnosing Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), no clinically validated real-time assay for this purpose has been commercially available. Now, in a manufacturer-funded, prospective, multicenter study, researchers have evaluated a commercially launched PCR test (Myconostica's MycAssay Pneumocystis) in patients at risk for P. jirovecii infection. Among the 110 participants, only 9 were HIV positive.

One respiratory sample was tested for each participant; 92% of such specimens were obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage. PCR results were compared with investigator-determined clinical diagnosis (established in accordance with local routine diagnostic procedures) and — for 83 patients —…

Reviewing Author

Larry M. Baddour, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate, Inc. (Authorship duties)

Larry M. Baddour, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate, Inc. (Authorship duties)