Identification of Pathogens in Nasopharyngeal Secretions of Patients with and without Pneumonia by Multiplex RT-PCR Method

Pneumonia is the most common infectious cause of death. This study aimed at investigating the causative agent of pneumonia in nasopharyngeal secretions by PCR method.

This case-control study was carried out in patients (older than 19 years of age) suspected of pneumonia admitted to Qaemshahr Razi Hospital and Sari Imam Khomeini Hospital, Iran 2019. The control group included inpatient and outpatient cases with non-respiratory diseases. The case group included patients who met the clinical and radiological criteria. FTD respiratory pathogens 21 plus kit (Multiplex RT-PCR) was used which covers a significant number of microorganisms. Data were analyzed in SPSS V18.

The study included 60 patients with the mean age of 52.13±16.84 years (19-87 years old) and the mean age of the control group was 47.8±16.63 years (21-83 years old). Etiological agents were significantly different between the two groups (P<0.05). According to PCR results, the prevalence of viral and bacterial etiology was 56.7% and 26.7%, respectively, and in 16.7% the PCR was negative.

Multiplex RT-PCR is associated with great specificity and specificity and is easily performed.  The assay is not low cost but is of great benefit in detecting causative agents and avoiding inappropriate treatments and can reduce further bacterial resistance.