The effect of a rapid molecular blood test on the use of antibiotics for nosocomial sepsis: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Appropriate use of antimicrobials is essential to improve outcomes in sepsis. The aim of this study was to determine whether the use of a rapid molecular blood test-Septi (SF) reduces the antibiotic consumption through early de-escalation in patients with nosocomial sepsis compared with conventional blood cultures (BCs).

Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, superiority, controlled trial conducted at Sao Paulo Heart Institute in the period October 2012-May 2016.

Evaluation of polymerase chain reaction for the detection of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis DNA on serum samples from patients with paracoccidioidomycosis.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the DNA of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in human serum samples of patients with paracoccidioidomycosis using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) was defined by microscopic observation of the fungus on direct exam or histopathology, culture, and serological positivity. DNA from serum of 33 patients with PCM was extracted and submitted to nested-PCR using primers from the gp 43 gene.

Evaluation of tests for antibody response in the follow-up of patients with acute and chronic forms of paracoccidioidomycosis.

Several serological tests have been used successfully in the diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). In contrast, data about the use of these tests in the follow-up of PCM patients have been heterogeneous. In this study, serum samples from 43 PCM patients with different clinical forms were analysed by counter-immuno-electrophoresis (CIE), complement fixation (CF) and ELISA before treatment.