Application of Multiplex PCR technique in diagnosing some bacterial causes of lower respiratory tract infections in children

Abstract

Objective: To detect some bacterial causes of lower respiratory tract infection. Methods: Cross-sectional  respiratory tract infection were treated at Hai Phong International Maternity and Pediatrics Hospital from June 2023 to April 2024. Patients were tested with Multiplex PCR to detect 07 bacterial agents using Seegene's Respiratory assays panel 4 kit. Results: The detection rate of agents was 78.2%, the most common agents were Mycoplasma pneumoniae (42.0%), followed by Haemophilus influenzae (36.2%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (20.2%). Conclusion:  Multiplex PCR helps increase the ability to detect bacterial agents causing lower respiratory tract infections, especially atypical bacteria that are difficult to culture, thereby improving treatment effectiveness and possibly limiting the abuse of antibiotics or inappropriate use of antibiotics.