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FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis (ME) panel in the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis
Renan Barros Domingues1, Márcio Vega Dos Santos1, Fernando Brunale Vilela de Moura Leite1
1Senne Líquor Diagnóstico, São Paulo/SP, Brazil.
Abstract:
The precise diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is essential. Cytological and biochemical examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are not specific. Conventional methods for bacterial meningitis lack sensitivity or take too long for a final result. Therefore, other methods for rapid and accurate diagnosis of central nervous system infections are required. FilmArray meningitis/encephalitis (ME) panel is a PCR multiplex for simultaneous and rapid identification of 14 pathogens, including 6 bacteria, 7 viruses, and Cryptococcus. We evaluated 436 CSF samples submitted to FilmArray ME Panel. Among them, 25 cases were positive for bacteria, being Streptococcus pneumonia the most frequent (48 %). Among positive cases for bacteria, 60 % were positive only with FilmArray. All the bacterial meningitis cases in which the only positive test was FilmArray had CSF findings suggestive of bacterial meningitis, including neutrophilic pleocytosis, increased CSF protein and lactate, and decreased CSF glucose. These findings suggest that FilmArray may increase the diagnostic sensitivity for bacterial meningitis.
Insights
The FilmArray meningitis/encephalitis (ME) panel offers a rapid PCR multiplex for diagnosing bacterial meningitis. This test shows potential to increase diagnostic sensitivity for bacterial meningitis, identifying pathogens faster than conventional methods.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Accurate diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is critical for patient outcomes.
- Conventional cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests lack specificity and speed.
- Need for rapid, sensitive diagnostic methods for central nervous system infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the performance of the FilmArray meningitis/encephalitis (ME) panel for bacterial meningitis diagnosis.
- To assess the FilmArray ME panel's sensitivity compared to conventional methods.
- To determine the utility of FilmArray ME panel in identifying bacterial meningitis pathogens.
Main Methods:
- A multiplex PCR assay, the FilmArray ME panel, was used to test 436 CSF samples.
- The panel simultaneously identifies 14 pathogens, including 6 bacteria.
- Results were compared with conventional diagnostic methods.
Main Results:
- The FilmArray ME panel identified bacteria in 25 of 436 CSF samples.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common bacterial pathogen (48% of positive cases).
- 60% of bacterial-positive cases were identified exclusively by the FilmArray ME panel, with supportive CSF findings.
Conclusions:
- The FilmArray ME panel demonstrates high sensitivity for detecting bacterial meningitis.
- This PCR multiplex assay can significantly improve the speed and accuracy of diagnosis.
- FilmArray ME panel may enhance the diagnostic yield for bacterial meningitis, especially in cases missed by conventional methods.
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