Multiplex respiratory polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test has gained wide acceptance as an alternative to conventional culture methods for the detection of the causative agent of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The aim of this study is to evaluate the positivity and to determine the causative agent of CAP using multiplex respiratory PCR test in patients with diabetes mellitus.
A total of 151 adults diagnosed with CAP were enrolled. Group 1 composed of patients who had diabetes (n=42) and group 2 consisted of patients who did not have diabetes (n=109). Demographic and clinical data of the subjects were collected and compared statistically. The multiplex respiratory PCR test positivity of group 1 was statistically higher than group 2 (p=0.004). The most identified nasopharyngeal pathogen was SARSCoV2 in group 1, whereas in group 2, the most prevalent agent was Streptococcus pneumoniae (p=0.002, p=0.628). Furthermore, the amount of procalcitonin, CRP, neutrophil counts and the ratio of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and CRP-to-lymphocyte (CLR) ratio on admission were statistically higher in group 1 than groups 2 (p=0.012, p=0.002, p\<\<0.001, p=0.001, p=0.001). Diabetic patients are at greater risk for developing CAP. Therefore, early detection and prompt treatment is crucial for diabetic patients with CAP to avoid morbidity and mortality. Multiplex respiratory PCR test is an important method for identifying the causative agent of CAP rapidly.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
151
According to our hospital policy, nasopharyngeal swab samples are collected by the clinicians and transported to the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory of the hospital in 10 minutes. The samples are analyzed in 2 hours and the samples were measured by Thermo Fisher / Applied Biosystems Quant Studio-5 for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing to detect multiplex respiratory agents
Hisar Intercontinental Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Diabetic patients are at greater risk for developing CAP. Multiplex respiratory PCR test is an important method for identifying the causative agent of CAP rapidly.
Time frame: September 2021 and June 2023
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