Detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in bronchial and tracheal aspirates byPCR based on the Exotoxin A gene

For the first time, a PCR test based on the amplification of the Exotoxin A was evaluated for its ability to rapidly detect Pseudomonas aeruginosa in tracheal and bronchial aspirates from mechanically ventilated patients. The reaction is based on the amplification of a 396 bp region within the Exoto xin A gene. The results show that this PCR-method is suitable for the detec tion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa even in clinical samples such as aspirates. Among the 380 clinical samples tested in this way, 57 were found to be posi tive while only 36 were positive using routine culture. In conclusion, thes e results suggest that the PCR-method mentioned above can be used to provid e a specific, rapid, simple, and highly sensitive detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in clinical samples.