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

## TL;DR

A PCR-based pneumonia test helped optimize antibiotic use in elderly patients at a community hospital by identifying specific bacteria in most cases.

## Contribution

This study demonstrates how a PCR-based pneumonia panel can improve antibiotic stewardship in non-ICU elderly patients.

## Key findings

- The PCR panel provided actionable results in 87% of 384 cases.
- It enabled streamlining of antibiotic coverage for atypical bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and MRSA.

## 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.