Multiplex PCR for Rapid and Accurate Diagnosis of Bloodstream Pathogens in Patients with Suspected Sepsis

Afsaneh  Karami; Manizheh  Jozpanahi; Ahmadreza  Mobaien; Habib  Zeighami; Hamidreza  Behroozfar; Elham  Sadr; Mahsa  Sadeghi; Parissa  Bagheri Toolaroud

doi:10.18502/jimc.v9i2.21179

Afsaneh Karami Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
Manizheh Jozpanahi Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
Ahmadreza Mobaien Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
Habib Zeighami Department of Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
Hamidreza Behroozfar Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
Elham Sadr Department of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
Mahsa Sadeghi Burn and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
Parissa Bagheri Toolaroud Burn and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jimc.v9i2.21179

Keywords: Bacteria, Demography, DNA, Hospitals, Iran, Multiplex polymerase chain reaction, Sepsis, Genomics

Abstract

Background: Timely diagnosis of Bloodstream Infections (BSIs) is crucial for effective sepsis management. Conventional culture methods, though considered the gold standard, exhibit limitations. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for rapid and accurate detection of bloodstream pathogens in suspected sepsis patients.

Methods: The study was conducted between March 2021 and March 2022 at Valiasr Hospital, Zanjan, Iran. One hundred patients with suspected sepsis were recruited, and blood samples were collected for both methods. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and genomic DNA was extracted for PCR. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.

Results: Most patients were elderly (>60 years), and Multiplex-PCR demonstrated higher detection rates than culture. Age, antibiotic history, and infection site were associated with bacterial frequency. A significant relationship existed between bacterial frequency and patient outcome. Pulmonary infections were most common, with specific imaging patterns observed.

Conclusion: Multiplex PCR is a rapid and sensitive tool for diagnosing sepsis, offering superior sensitivity compared to culture. Further research is needed to validate its broader clinical application.