Molecular diagnosis of occult bacteremia using Universal PCR method in 3 to 36 months children with fever without source and a negative blood culture

Introduction: Early diagnosis of bacteremia and its complications is the most important
part of the care and management of the children. The utility of polymerase chain reaction
(PCR) techniques has been shown to identify pathogens in less and more optimal time.
The aim of our study was to evaluate the importance and prevalence of occult bacteremia
using universal PCR of blood in 3-36 month children with fever without source in
Pediatric Medical Center comparing other routine methods like blood culture.
Methods: 100 febrile children in 3-36 month age suspected to Bacteremia with fever
without source, who was admitted in children’s hospital of Bandar Abbas, were evaluated.
All of them had negative blood culture. Blood samples were taken from all patients for
PCR and other clinical tests such as CRP, ESR and CBC.
Results: The mean temperature of the body was>39o c at presenting time. 23 patients
had positive PCR test, which none of them had positive blood cultures. Laboratory
findings such as WBC, ESR, and CRP had no significant difference to PCR results.
Conclusion: Universal PCR technique is more sensitive and specific than conventional
blood culture and other methods to diagnose organism cause bacteremia.