Multicentre experience on the diagnostic yield of PCR testing for bacterial pathogens in sterile site infections

Background: Infections in sterile body sites are serious despite their low incidence. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective antimicrobial management. This study assessed the diagnostic yield of multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in identifying bacterial pathogens in sterile site specimens other than blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Methods: Bacterial pathogen PCR panels were independently developed and validated by the laboratories …