Single-center retrospective evaluation of a polymerase chain reaction-based pneumonia panel on antibiotic therapy optimization at a community hospital.

Abstract

The implementation of a polymerase chain reaction-based pneumonia panel was associated with actionable results in 87% of 384 cases. In a population of mostly elderly non-intensive care unit patients with sputum samples, opportunities for antibiotic stewardship included streamlining for atypical bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus coverage, with occasional opportunities to escalate antibiotic therapy.