Rapid detection of pathogens and antimicrobial resistance in intensive care patients using nucleic acid-based techniques

Infections in patients requiring intensive care, especially nosocomial bacteremias, can result in significant morbidity and mortality, prolonged hospital stays and added costs. Of particular concern are infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing gram-negative bacilli. Nucleic acid-based testing methods, compared with conventional culture-based methods, have the potential to provide much more rapid detection of pathogens and determination of antimicrobial resistance. Application of nucleic acid-based methods in critically ill patients should have the potential for improving outcomes by providing the information necessary for rapid delivery of appropriate antimicrobial therapy.