What Is the Role of Newer Molecular Tests in the Management of CAP?

Abstract

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) accounts for major morbidity and mortality in the United States. With improved broad-spectrum antibiotics, the implementation of diagnostic studies has declined and most patients do not have an etiologic pathogen of CAP identified. To enhance the appropriate use of antiviral agents and prevent overuse of antibiotics, the successful management of CAP requires rapid and accurate diagnosis of the etiologic agent of CAP. This article provides an overview of the new rapid molecular tests for the diagnosis of influenza, other respiratory viruses, and bacteria compared with nonmolecular tests and how their use for directed therapy can enhance and improve the management of CAP.

Viruses and Gram-negative bacilli dominate the etiology of community-acquired pneumonia in Indonesia, a cohort study

“…5 The use of PCR may, thus, enhance the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents. 16 No other CAP studies in Southeast Asia so far have attempted to diagnose viruses. K. pneumoniae and other GNB were frequently observed in our study, similar to reports from other Southeast Asian countries, 2,3,17 but different from those from Europe, North America, or Australia.…”

Molecular Testing for Respiratory Viruses

“…As an added benefit, viruses that could not be detected by conventional virology have been included which further increases the diagnostic yield. Refer to the review by Gaydos [90] for details regarding the performance and workflow of many of these systems. The principle differences among NAATs are the throughput, turnaround time, ease of use, automation, versatility, use of a closed system to reduce contamination and cost.…”

Distinguishing the Causes of Pulmonary Infiltrates in Patients With Acute Leukemia

“…In this context, a nasal wash can be performed, and the fluid examined by various techniques, including direct fluorescent antibody, multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, and other PCR-based techniques. [56][57][58] …”