Quick detection of causative bacteria in cases of acute cholangitis and cholecystitis using a multichannel gene autoanalyzer

Acute cholangitis and cholecystitis can become severe conditions as a result of inappropriate therapeutic administration and thereafter become increasingly resistant to antimicrobial treatment. The simultaneous detection of the bacterial nucleic acid and antimicrobial resistance gene is covered by the national health insurance program in Japan for sepsis. In this study, we evaluate the use of a multichannel gene autoanalyzer (Verigene system) for the quick detection of causative bacteria in cases of acute cholangitis and cholecystitis. This study included 108 patients diagnosed with acute cholangitis or cholecystitis between June 2015 and November 2018. A bacterial culture test and Verigene assay were used to evaluate the bile samples. The most commonly isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli, which includes six extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli. Among the patients with positive bile cultures, bacteria were detected in 35.7% of cases via the Verigene system. The detection rates of the Verigene system significantly increased when the number of bacterial colonies was ≥ 106 colony-forming unit (CFU)/mL (58.1%). Cases with a maximum colony quantity of ≥ 106 CFU/mL exhibited higher inflammation, suggesting the presence of a bacterial infection. The Verigene system might be a new method for the quick detection of causative bacteria in patients with infectious acute cholangitis and cholecystitis.