The Use of Multiplex Respiratory Polymerase Chain Reaction Test in Patient With Diabetes Mellitus Who Have a Newly Diagnosed of Community-acquired Pneumonia

A total of 151 adults diagnosed with CAP were enrolled. Group 1 composed of patients who had diabetes (n=42) and group 2 consisted of patients who did not have diabetes (n=109). Demographic and clinical data of the subjects were collected and compared statistically.

The multiplex respiratory PCR test positivity of group 1 was statistically higher than group 2 (p=0.004). The most identified nasopharyngeal pathogen was SARSCoV2 in group 1, whereas in group 2, the most prevalent agent was Streptococcus pneumoniae (p=0.002, p=0.628). Furthermore, the amount of procalcitonin, CRP, neutrophil counts and the ratio of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and CRP-to-lymphocyte (CLR) ratio on admission were statistically higher in group 1 than groups 2 (p=0.012, p=0.002, p<<0.001, p=0.001, p=0.001).

Diabetic patients are at greater risk for developing CAP. Therefore, early detection and prompt treatment is crucial for diabetic patients with CAP to avoid morbidity and mortality. Multiplex respiratory PCR test is an important method for identifying the causative agent of CAP rapidly.