Molecular Pathogen Testing for Identifying the Etiology of Febrile Illness in Immunocompromised Children

Abstract

Background: Diagnosing febrile illness in immunocompromised children at presentation to hospital remains a challenge. Serious bacterial infection can cause significant mortality and morbidity, but conventional diagnostics using culture-based technology results are often negative. Molecular pathogen testing might increase the yield of pathogen detection in this population, subsequently potentially altering clinical management and improving outcome.