Evaluation of a multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification assay for the detection of respiratory pathogens in oncological patients.

Background: Respiratory tract infections are widespread and may cause significant morbidity and mortality in immunosuppressed populations such as oncological patients.

Objectives: The RealAccurate Respiratory RT PCR Kit covering 14 respiratory viruses was compared to the RespiFinder Smart22, a broad-spectrum multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) test, targeting 22 viral and bacterial respiratory pathogens.

Study Design: After verification of its analytical performance, the clinical performance of the RespiFinder Smart22 was evaluated by re-analysis of 96 respiratory samples from oncological patients.