Diagnóstico molecular de neumonías bacterianas atípicas provenientes de la comunidad. Paraguay (2014-2017)

Objectives: To determine the frequency of atypical bacterial pneumonias caused by Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydophila pneumoniae, in children and adults of Paraguay during the period 2014-2017 by molecular techniques. Materials and methods: We included 148 pleural fluid samples from children and adults diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) during the period 2014 to February 2017. Samples were sent to the Central Public Health Laboratory by the Sentinel Centers and Collaborating Centers of the Meningitis and Pneumonia Surveillance Network. Results: The general frequency of atypical pneumonias was 1.4% (2/148). Legionella pneumophila was detected in 0.7% (1/148) of the patients with suspected pneumonia and one Mycoplasma pneumoniae case in 0.7% (1/148). Conclusion: Atypical agents present nonspecific and variable manifestations from one case to another, making them difficult to distinguish from other etiologies. The new approaches to microbiological diagnosis are promising, it is expected that molecular diagnostic tests for these pathogens are important tools in the clinical laboratory.