Indirect Immunofluorescent assay for rapid detection of atypical respiratory tract bacteria among aeptic patients

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Microbiology, College of Science, Babylon University, Babylon, Iraq

2 Department of Microbiology, Al-Shomali General Hospital, Babylon Health Directorate, Babylon, Iraq

3 Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq

Abstract

Background:  Atypical bacteria are unculturable and unique infectious agents that can infect the lower respiratory tract (LRT), cause atypical pneumonia, and may develop bacteremia. The purpose of the study was to identify if the elderly hospitalized patients who reside in intensive care units had atypical pneumonia. Material and methods: A total of 40 serum samples from septic patients with an age mean of 68.6 ± SD 8.5 in the hospitals of the Babylon Health Directorate were collected. All serum samples were tested using an indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA) to detect IgM and IgG antibodies specific for Legionella pneumophila, Coxiella burnetii, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Chlamydophila psittaci. Results: The results showed that these bacteria were present as single and/or multiple pathogens in 25 (62.5%), 2 (5%), 10 (25%), 25 (62.5), 4 (10%) of 40 samples, respectively. Conclusions: This investigation proves the presence of specific antibodies against various atypical pulmonary pathogens among septic patients with unidentified etiological agents.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Microbes and Infectious Diseases

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 08 January 2024

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