To evaluate whether multiplex PCR-based molecular testing is noninferior to urine culture for detection of bacterial infections in symptomatic patients. METHODS Retrospective record review of 582 consecutive elderly patients presenting with symptoms of lower urinary tract infection (UTI) was conducted. All patients had traditional urine cultures and PCR molecular testing run in parallel. RESULTS A total of 582 patients (mean age 77; range 60-95) with symptoms of lower UTI had both urine cultures and diagnostic PCR between March and July 2018. PCR detected uropathogens in 326 patients (56%, 326/582), while urine culture detected pathogens in 217 patients (37%, 217/582). PCR and culture agreed in 74% of cases (431/582): both were positive in 34% of cases (196/582) and both were negative in 40% of cases (235/582). However, PCR and culture disagreed in 26% of cases (151/582): PCR was positive while culture was negative in 22% of cases (130/582), and culture was positive while PCR was negative in 4% of cases (21/582). Polymicrobial infections were reported in 175 patients (30%, 175/582), with PCR reporting 166 and culture reporting 39. Further, polymicrobial infections were identified in 67 patients (12%, 67/582) in which culture results were negative. Agreement between PCR and urine culture for positive cultures was 90%, exceeding the noninferiority threshold of 85% (95% conflict of interest 85.7%-93.6%). CONCLUSION Multiplex PCR is noninferior to urine culture for detection and identification of bacteria. Further investigation may show that the accuracy and speed of PCR to diagnose UTI can significantly improve patient outcomes. UROLOGY 136: 119−126, 2020.

Gastrointestinal symptoms are common and frequently reported in Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is unclear if SARS-CoV-2 is associated with increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). Nevertheless, GIB in COVID-19 patients poses unique challenges to patients due to high-risk of concomitant respiratory failure and to endoscopy personnel due to risk of airborne transmission during endoscopic procedures. Many management issues related to COVID-19 are still being studied. In this case series, we attempt to discuss the important clinical implications related to the management of GIB in COVID-19 patients.

Video 1 Percutaneous endoscopic necrosectomy via the track of a previously placed drain.

Influenza A infection can be associated with hepatitis in pregnancy, which in our case resolved spontaneously over 10 to 14 days with favorable maternal and perinatal outcomes.