Examination of new molecular methods in sepsis diagnosis

Bacteriemia is among infections with severe course and cause of high mortality and morbidity. Quick diagnosis and commencement of treatment bears importance. This study compared blood culture and PCR test results in diagnosing bacteriemia.The study was prospectively conducted on samples sent to Microbiology Laboratory of the University of Gaziantep, Research and Application Hospital of Medicine Faculty. Of the patients that were required blood culture between the dates of June and September 2011, sepsis panel was implemented simultaneously and the results were then evaluated. Samples of 164 patients were taken within the indicated period of time. Blood cultures were taken to fully automated BacT-Alert (Bieomerieux) blood culture system. Fully automated Vitek2 (Biomerieux) bacterial identification system was used to define bacteria. Molecular bacterial DNA presence was investigated by utilizing a ready-to-use multiplex real-time PCR (LightCyler SeptiFast, Roche Diagnostics) kit.Of the patients included in the study, 77 were female (46.95%), and 87 were male (53.04%). Ages of the patients ranged between 1 and 92.Of the blood culture samples included in the study, was not isolated in 113 (68.2%), one microorganism was established in 51 samples (31.09%). The most identified bacteria in blood culture samples was found to be CNS (n: 27, 52.9%).Of 164 patients we investigated to find bacteriemia agent by molecular method, no agents were established in 114 (69.5%), one and/or two agent(s) were found in 50 (30.5%) samples. Molecularly the highest established microorganism was found to be CNS, and it was concluded to comprise 18 (35.2%) of 53 found microorganisms.Similar results were obtained for 95 of 164 samples by both methods (compliance 57.9%), and 68 samples gave different results. Molecularly, one agent was established in 30 samples in which no isolation was found in blood culture; and isolations were detected in the blood cultures of 31 samples found with molecularly. Different agents were determined in 8 samples by both methods.