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Enhancing pathogen identification in patients with meningitis and a negative Gram stain using the BioFire

Susan H Wootton1, Elizabeth Aguilera1, Lucrecia Salazar2

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas (UT) Health Science Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.

Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials
|April 23, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The BioFire FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis (FA ME) panel aids in diagnosing meningitis when Gram stains are negative. This rapid test identified additional pathogens in 22.9% of patients, improving diagnostic yield.

Area of Science:

  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

  • Meningitis diagnosis is challenging with negative Gram stains.
  • Accurate and timely identification of causative pathogens is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the performance of the BioFire FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis (FA ME) panel.
  • Assess the FA ME panel's utility in community-acquired meningitis cases with negative CSF Gram stains.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 48 patients with meningitis and negative Gram stains.
  • CSF samples were tested using the FA ME panel and compared to routine diagnostic methods.

Main Results:

  • The FA ME panel identified pathogens missed by standard methods in 11 (22.9%) patients.
  • Standard methods detected pathogens (West Nile virus, Histoplasma) not identified by the FA ME panel in 5 (15.2%) patients.

Conclusions:

  • The FA ME panel offers valuable rapid diagnostic information for meningitis.
  • This molecular test can improve pathogen detection in meningitis cases, aiding clinical management.
Keywords:
Aseptic meningitisEncephalitisMolecular diagnostic techniquesPolymerase chain reaction

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