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Comparison of the FilmArray Respiratory Panel and Prodesse real-time PCR assays for detection of respiratory

M J Loeffelholz1, D L Pong, R B Pyles

  • 1Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555-0740, USA. mjloeffe@utmb.edu

Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|October 15, 2011
PubMed

Insights

The FilmArray Respiratory Panel (RP) multiplex PCR assay detected more respiratory pathogens than the Prodesse real-time PCR assays in young children. This enhanced diagnostic performance, particularly for rhinovirus/enterovirus, improves detection of common respiratory infections.

Area of Science:

  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Molecular Diagnostics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Multiplex PCR assays offer comprehensive detection of respiratory pathogens.
  • Accurate and rapid diagnosis is crucial for managing pediatric respiratory tract infections.
  • Comparing diagnostic performance of novel multiplex assays against established methods is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the diagnostic performance and pathogen detection rates of the FilmArray Respiratory Panel (RP) assay with Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared Prodesse real-time PCR assays.
  • To evaluate the FilmArray RP's ability to detect pathogens not included in the Prodesse panels.
  • To assess the utility of FilmArray RP in a cohort of young children with upper respiratory tract symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • A panel of 192 nasopharyngeal specimens from children under 1 year old was tested.
  • Diagnostic performance was compared between the premarket FilmArray RP and FDA-cleared Prodesse assays.
  • Laboratory-developed real-time PCR assays were used to resolve discordant results and confirm novel pathogen detections.

Main Results:

  • The FilmArray RP and Prodesse assays showed good overall agreement (94.3%) for commonly detected viruses.
  • FilmArray RP detected significantly more parainfluenza viruses 1 and 3, and adenoviruses compared to specific Prodesse assays.
  • FilmArray RP identified 138 additional pathogens, predominantly rhinovirus/enterovirus (RV/EV), not detected by Prodesse assays.

Conclusions:

  • The FilmArray RP assay demonstrates superior diagnostic performance by detecting a broader range of respiratory pathogens compared to existing Prodesse assays.
  • The increased detection of pathogens like RV/EV by FilmArray RP is significant in young children with upper respiratory tract infections.
  • The FilmArray RP assay provides a more comprehensive etiological diagnosis for pediatric respiratory illnesses.

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