Rapid syndromic molecular testing in pneumonia: The current landscape and future potential

J Infect. 2020 Jan;80(1):1-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2019.11.021. Epub 2019 Dec 3.

Abstract

Community acquired pneumonia (CAP), hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) are all associated with significant mortality and cause huge expense to health care services around the world. Early, appropriate antimicrobial therapy is crucial for effective treatment. Syndromic diagnostic testing using novel, rapid multiplexed molecular platforms represents a new opportunity for rapidly targeted antimicrobial therapy to improve patient outcomes and facilitate antibiotic stewardship. In this article we review the currently available testing platforms and discuss the potential benefits and pitfalls of rapid testing in pneumonia.

Keywords: Community acquired pneumonia (CAP); Hospital acquired pneumonia (HAP); Molecular diagnostics; Pneumonia; Point-of-care testing; Rapid diagnostics; Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP).

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antimicrobial Stewardship
  • Community-Acquired Infections / diagnosis
  • Community-Acquired Infections / drug therapy
  • Healthcare-Associated Pneumonia / diagnosis
  • Healthcare-Associated Pneumonia / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / methods*
  • Pneumonia / diagnosis*
  • Pneumonia / drug therapy*
  • Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated / diagnosis
  • Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated / drug therapy
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents