Abstract
Background Conventional diagnostic methods like culture and microscopy are time-consuming and
have low diagnostic yield for gastrointestinal infections. New rapid molecular methods
such as multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) have recently been introduced for
etiological diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of the FilmArray
gastrointestinal panel (GIP) in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal infections.
Materials and Methods This is a retrospective study performed in the microbiology department of a tertiary
care hospital. Stool samples were received and processed according to the manufacturer's
instructions by FilmArray GIP. Stool culture and routine microscopy were also performed.
Results The mean age of the 32 patients was 46 ± 24.2 years and with a male-to-female ratio
of 1:1. Out of 32 stool samples received for testing by BioFire GIP, 23 samples (71.9%)
were found to be positive for one or the other target. A total of 41 targets were
detected from 23 positive patients, with predominant bacterial etiology (65.9%) followed
by parasitic (31.7%) and viral (4.9%). Giardia lamblia was the most common (26.8%) target detected in all age groups. Additionally, in 56.5%
of patients, more than one target was detected. The stool culture was positive in
2 of the 16 patients (12.5%).
Conclusion The FilmArray GIP showed very good diagnostic performance compared with culture for
the diagnosis of gastrointestinal infections. Further studies are needed to determine
whether multiplex PCR improves patient outcomes and reduces costs.
Keywords
gastrointestinal infections - FilmArray gastrointestinal panel - stool culture
