Detection of Aspergillus fumigatus DNA in blood by a commercially available multiplex-polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

Ref ID: 19213

Author:

J. Steinmann*, J. Buer, P.-M. Rath

Author address:

Essen, DE

Full conference title:

23rd European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and
Infectious Diseases

Date: 27 April 2014

Abstract:

Objective: To evaluate the usefulness of a commercially available multiplex-PCR system (SeptiFast, Roche Diagnostics) for the detection of A. fumigatus-DNA in blood.
Methods: In this retrospective study, performance and relevance of detection of DNA from A. fumigatus by the SeptiFast multiplex-PCR in blood samples from intensive-care unit patients were evaluated. The PCR results were compared with those of cultural data of respiratory materials as well as the results of the Platelia Aspergillus galactomannan antigen assay (Bio-Rad) in blood and/or respiratory materials. Patients’ characteristics, radiological and histopathological findings and outcome were determined by chart review.
Results: Between 2009 and 2012, 20/1861 (1.1 %) blood samples were positive for A. fumigatus in the multiplex-PCR. Four patients were organ-transplant recipients, 3 were HIV-positive, 3 had leukaemia or carcinoma, 4 patients suffered from liver failure and one patient from acute respiratory distress syndrome. In 11/18 patients (61 %) A. fumigatus could be cultured from corresponding respiratory material. Galactomannan antigen was detected in serum or respiratory samples in 12/19 (63 %) patients. 4/18 (22 %) patients were negative in culture and in the galactomannan assay. According to the revised EORTC/MSG-criteria 2 patients had proven and 15 probable or possible infection. 9/20 (45 %) patients died within 3 days after positive PCR results. Only 5/20 (20 %) patients were alive at day 28.
Conclusions: The SeptiFast test might be a useful tool for the detection of A. fumigatus-DNA in blood. Although the number of patients in this retrospective study is small, it seems that a positive PCR-result in blood samples is a prognostic disadvantageous sign, as many of the patients died within a few days.

Abstract Number: P1071

Conference Year: 2013

Link to conference website: http://registration.akm.ch/einsicht.php?XNABSTRACT_ID=162753&XNSPRACHE_ID=2&XNKONGRESS_ID=180&XNMASK

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