16S rRNA Gene As A Marker For Bacteremia In Patients With Acute Pancreatitis

Abstract

16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used for detection of bacterial pathogens in the serum of patients with acute pancreatitis (AP). Acute pancreatitis is a frequent cause of hospital admission. Infection and septic complications are the major factors contributing to the poor outcome in acute severe pancreatitis. PCR makes it possible to identify the presence of bacterial DNA in culture-negative samples from patients with suspected infection. This molecular approach allows non-culture rapid confirmation of pancreatitis and septicemia, which leads to improved disease surveillance and provides guidance on appropriate antibiotic usage and patient management. The aim of the present study is to det ect bacterial DNA accurately by PCR targeting 16s rRNA as a common bacterial primer in serum of patients with acute pancreatitis in order to augment the standardized use of prophylactic antibiotics in such cases.