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Circulating biomarkers as surrogates for bloodstream infections

Muller, B. and Schuetz, P. and Trampuz, A.. (2007) Circulating biomarkers as surrogates for bloodstream infections. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents , 30 (S1). pp. 16-23.

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Official URL: http://edoc.unibas.ch/56686/

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Abstract

The use of biomarkers provides a novel approach to diagnosing infection, its severity and treatment response. Biomarkers, especially procalcitonin and, to a lesser extent, C-reactive protein and interleukin 8, can improve the diagnostic and prognostic assessment of bloodstream infections. Both strengths and weaknesses of biomarkers must be recognized for rational and safe use in clinical settings. Cut-off ranges must be chosen within the specific clinical context. Ultrasensitive assays for procalcitonin, capable of measuring low levels in healthy individuals, may help to identify even 'subclinical' inflammatory states before the development of clinically evident sepsis. For immunocompromised patients, the use of biomarkers could lead to an earlier and more targeted antimicrobial therapy for patients at risk of sepsis, whereas those patients with viral illness or a non-infectious aetiology of inflammation who maintain low levels of procalcitonin over time can be withheld from antibiotic exposure. The time has arrived to move beyond the observational reporting of 'promising' biomarkers. Specific cut-off ranges must be proposed and intervention studies conducted to tackle the existing vicious cycle of diagnostic uncertainty, antibiotic overuse and emerging multi-resistance.
Faculties and Departments:03 Faculty of Medicine > Bereich Medizinische Fächer (Klinik) > Allgemeine innere Medizin AG > Argovia Professur für Medizin (Müller)
03 Faculty of Medicine > Departement Klinische Forschung > Bereich Medizinische Fächer (Klinik) > Allgemeine innere Medizin AG > Argovia Professur für Medizin (Müller)
UniBasel Contributors:Müller, Beat
Item Type:Article, refereed
Article Subtype:Further Journal Contribution
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0924-8579
e-ISSN:1872-7913
Note:Publication type according to Uni Basel Research Database: Journal item
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Last Modified:28 Nov 2017 08:30
Deposited On:28 Nov 2017 08:30

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