The Contribution of Multiplex PCR in the Diagnosis of Community Respiratory Infections.

The use of multiplex PCR (mPCR) has significantly improved the diagnosis of community-acquired respiratory infections, enabling the simultaneous detection of several pathogens. This technique offers greater precision and speed, essential for optimal patient management. mPCR has demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for the identification of viral and bacterial pathogens. As well as being fast, it is also cost-effective, making it ideal for routine clinical use. Studies have shown that mPCR can identify pathogens in patients previously treated with antibiotics, a capability that conventional cultures often lack. The aim of this project is to analyze the epidemiological and bacteriological profile of the main bacterial and viral species and their resistance genes isolated in community-acquired respiratory infections at the Hassan II University Hospital in Fez from January 2021 to december 2024.