Evaluation of PCR in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia: a bivariate meta-analysis and systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

As a promising tool, PCR in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) has not been accepted as a diagnostic criterion for PJP.

Objective

We undertook a systematic review of published studies to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of PCR assays in BALF for PJP.

Methods

Eligible studies from PubMed, Embase and Web of Science reporting PCR assays in BALF for diagnosing PJP were identified. A bivariate meta-analysis of the method's sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were analyzed. The post-test probability was performed to evaluate clinical usefulness. A summary receiver operating characteristics (SROC) curve was used to evaluate overall performance. Subgroup analyses were carried out to analysis the

SUBMITTER: Fan LC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3762835 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature