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Detection and Genogrouping of Noroviruses from Children's Stools By Taqman One-step RT-PCR
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Published on: July 22, 2012

Multiplex PCR reveals a high prevalence of multiple pathogens in traveller's diarrhoea in children

Marie Pouletty1, Loïc De Pontual2,3,4,5,6, Moreen Lopez3

  • 1General Pediatric Department, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France.

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|July 9, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Multiplex PCR detected numerous pathogens in children with traveller's diarrhoea, significantly improving detection rates for bacteria compared to traditional methods. This advance enables earlier and more accurate antibiotic treatment for paediatric TD.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Paediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

  • Traveller's diarrhoea (TD) is a common illness in children returning from tropical regions.
  • Accurate identification of causative pathogens is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the distribution of pathogens causing TD in children.
  • To assess the utility of multiplex PCR for diagnosing TD in paediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study included 59 children with TD admitted to two university hospitals.
  • Stool samples were analyzed using a multiplex PCR FilmArray GI panel detecting 22 pathogens.
  • Multiplex PCR results were compared with conventional culture methods for key enteropathogenic bacteria.

Main Results:

  • At least one pathogen was identified in 98% of cases, with diverse bacteria, viruses, and parasites detected.
  • Multiplex PCR identified 25% more enteropathogenic bacteria than conventional culture.
  • Common pathogens included E. coli strains, Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, and norovirus. Coinfections were frequent (52 cases).

Conclusions:

  • Multiplex PCR reveals a high prevalence of enteric pathogens and coinfections in children with TD.
  • This molecular technique offers superior detection of major enteropathogenic bacteria compared to culture methods.
  • Multiplex PCR facilitates earlier, appropriate antibiotic treatment, optimizing patient management.
Abstract

Keywords:
epidemiologygastroenterologytropical inf distropical paediatrics

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