Nasopharyngeal detection of atypical bacteria by multiplex polymerase chain reaction panel in acutely ill children was associated with an increased risk of pneumonia. (28th January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mattila, Suvi; Sarlin, Suvi; Heikkilä, Reetta; Leinonen, Emilia; Nurmi, Violetta; Riikonen, Jonni; Paalanne, Niko; Honkila, Minna; Huhtamäki, Heikki; Pokka, Tytti; Koskela, Ulla; Renko, Marjo; Tapiainen, Terhi
• Is Part Of: Acta pædiatrica. Volume 112:Number 4(2023)
• Page Start: 830
• Page End: 836
• Publication Date: 2023-01-28
• Subjects: multiplex polymerase chain reaction -- Mycoplasma pneumoniae -- paediatric emergency department -- respiratory pathogens -- Streptococcus pneumoniae; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pediatrics; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/apa.16672
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0803-5253

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: We aimed to assess whether detection of respiratory bacteria by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing associates with clinical outcomes in acutely ill children. Methods: This cross‐sectional study enrolled children under the age of 18 with a suspected respiratory infection treated in a paediatric emergency department of Oulu University Hospital, Finland from January 2015 through December 2015. Nasopharyngeal samples were routinely analysed for 16 respiratory viruses and later, after storage, analysed with a multiplex PCR panel for seven respiratory bacteria. Results: At least one bacterial pathogen was detected in 600 out of the 1195 children (50%). The mean age was 3.3 (SD 3.7) years and 54% were boys. Atypical bacteria were associated with a risk of pneumonia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 14.1, 95% CI 3.98–50.1). Co‐detection of rhinovirus with Streptococcus pneumoniae was not associated with risk of pneumonia (aOR 2.39, 95% CI 0.78–7.30). Detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae or both was not associated with the risk of hospital admission or prescription of antibiotics. Conclusion: Nasopharyngeal detection of atypical bacteria in acutely ill children was associated with a markedly increased risk of pneumonia. The clinical utility of wide testing for other respiratory bacteria needs further evaluation.