Development of a rapid diagnostic kit for the identification of pathogens causing hospital-acquired infections in intensive care units

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are infections that develop 48 hours or more after hospital admission and are significant causes of morbidity and mortality. Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are the most frequent sites for such infections due to invasive procedures, prolonged hospital stays, and the immunosuppressive status of patients. Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, S. aureus, and S. pneumoniae are the primary pathogens responsible for these infections. These microorganisms exhibit both intrinsic and acquired antibiotic resistance, complicating treatment options. To address the need for rapid and reliable diagnosis, the LAMP (Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification) method was developed. This technique enables DNA amplification under isothermal conditions in less than an hour, without requiring expensive equipment or highly skilled personnel. The method's key advantages include low cost, high accuracy, and operational simplicity. This study aims to develop a rapid diagnostic kit using the LAMP method based on samples obtained from the ICU of Ç.Ü.T.F. Department of Pulmonary Diseases. The proposed kit will adhere to the Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) concept, which facilitates testing near the patient, enabling prompt diagnosis and treatment. POCT improves clinical outcomes by providing rapid, cost-effective, and user-friendly solutions, contributing to better patient care integration and enhanced satisfaction.