Evaluation of a multiplex-qPCR for paediatric pleural empyema-An observational study in hospitalised children.

ABSTRACT: Pleural empyema is a serious complication of pneumonia in children. Negative bacterial cultures commonly impede optimal antibiotic therapy. To improve bacterial identification, we developed a molecular assay and evaluated its performance compared with bacterial culture. Our multiplex-quantitative PCR to detect Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae was assessed using bacterial genomic DNA and laboratory-prepared samples (n = 267). To evaluate clinical performance, we conducted the Molecular Assessment of Thoracic Empyema (MATE) observational study, enrolling children hospitalised with empyema. Pleural fluids were tested by bacterial culture and multiplex-qPCR, and performance determined using a study gold standard. We determined c

SUBMITTER: Jacobson J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11198775 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature