DNA-based Testing in BAL of Lung Transplant Recipients With Suspected Non-viral Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

DNA-based Testing in BAL of Lung Transplant Recipients With Suspected Non-viral Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

Lung transplantation (LTx) , DNA-based testing.

Performance of DNA-based testing of bacterial and fungal pathogens in comparison to standard testing.

Experimental intervention: DNA-based testing of BAL fluid.

Cohen's kappa of any pathogen isolation by DNA-based testing vs. standard cultures in comparison to the final diagnosis of non-viral lower respiratory tract infection.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients after lung transplantation (single, double or combined)
• suspicion of non-viral lower respiratory tract infection as defined by at least 2 out of
• new onset of malaise
• new or progressive pulmonary infiltrate
• hypoxemia (SpO2/SaO2 <92% or need for oxygen)
• temperature of 38 o C or above within 7 days
• purulent (yellow or greenish) sputum
• CRP of 30 mg/l or above
• PCT of 0,5 µg/l or above

Exclusion Criteria:

• no informed consent