Unanticipated Multiplex PCR-Based Identification of Polymicrobial Blood Culture Resulting in Earlier Isolation, Determination of Susceptibilities, and Optimization of Clinical Care.

We describe a case of polymicrobial bloodstream infection with six organisms identified by multiplex PCR that was initially thought to be a monomicrobial infection. Early recognition of specific Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and fungal organisms and resistance elements allowed significantly more rapid optimization of therapy.