Use of the LightCycler SeptiFast test for rapid etiologic diagnosis of nosocomial infection in gynecological sepsis.

A new molecular biology technique was used in 2 subjects with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and negative blood cultures, in which broad-spectrum antibiotics were administered, without a visible improvement. Case 1: A 33-year-old female patient with a diagnosis of septic shock originating in the abdomen was admitted in a bad general state, presenting with systemic inflammatory response. The patient's general condition did not improve. As an alternative, we used molecular biology. Candida krusei was reported and the patient responded well to the treatment. Case 2: A woman in the 36th week of pregnancy, with diabetes mellitus and secondary renal insufficiency, presented with fever and hematological alterations. The patient's progress was slow and accompanied by persistent fever, bandemia and leukopenia, as well as signs of multiple organ dysfunction. The SeptiFast test identified Enterobacter cloacae/aerogenes as the cause of the disorder. However, the patient died 24 h after the antibiotics were changed.