Accuracy of Broad-Panel PCR-Based Bacterial Identification for Blood Cultures in a Pediatric Oncology Population.

Bloodstream infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality and result in significant costs to health care systems. Rapid identification of the causative agent of bloodstream infections is critical for patient treatment and improved outcomes. Multiplex PCR systems that provide bacterial identification directly from the blood culture bottle allow for earlier detection of pathogens. The GenMark Dx ePlex blood culture identification (BCID) panels have an expanded number of targets for both identification and genotypic markers of antimicrobial resistance. The performance of the ePlex BCID Gram-negative (GN) and Gram-positive (GP) panels were evaluated in a predominantly pediatric oncology population. A total of 112 blood cultures were tested by the ePlex BCID GN and GP panels and results were compared to those from standard-of-care testing. Accuracy for on-panel organisms was 89% (CI, 76% to 95%) for the Gram-positive panel, with four misidentifications and one not detected, and 93% (CI, 82% to 98%) for the Gram-negative panel, with two misidentifications and one not detected. The results showed good overall performance of these panels for rapid, accurate detection of bloodstream pathogens in this high-risk population.