Catheter-related bacteremia and fungemia: Reliability of two methods for catheter culture

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyze 98 febrile patients with suspected catheter-related bacteremia (CRB) or fungemia (CRF) and compare two different methods, one semiquantitative (SQ) (Maki's method) and the other quantitative (Q) (modification of Brun-Buisson method) to determine each ability for diagnosing CRB. Twelve patients had CRB or CRF. The sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values, and efficiency using the Maki method were 83%, 84%, 42%, 97%, and 83%, respectively. The same parameters using the other method were as follows: 92%, 84%, 44%, 99%, and 84%, respectively. Although the diagnostic reliability in each method was similar, the Maki method was quicker and easier to perform in clinical microbiology laboratories.