The Development of a Multiplex PCR Assay for the Detection of Antibiotic Resistance Markers in Respiratory Pathogens

The authors have developed a multiplex real time PCR assay to target 8 prevalent respiratory bacteria and 11 of the most relevant beta-lactam antibiotic resistance markers within one single assay, based on the SmartFinder® technology (PathoFinder B.V., Maastricht). With a proven high sensitivity and specificity on direct clinical material, this assay allows for rapid comprehensive screening for both community and hospital acquired pneumoniae and related resistance markers.