PCR-based syndromic tests for antibiotic stewardship in non-ventilated patients with hospital-acquired pneumonia: a multicentre randomized controlled trial.

In this prematurely discontinued trial, mPCR with expert guidance did not reduce broad-spectrum antibiotic exposure, but improved early appropriateness of antibiotic therapy in hospital-acquired pneumonia.

These findings highlight the potential role of rapid diagnostics in optimizing initial antibiotic decisions, while underscoring challenges of demonstrating reductions in antibiotic consumption.