Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 11, 2025
Culture Methods to Determine the Limit of Detection and Survival in Transport Media of Campylobacter Jejuni in Human Fecal Specimens
Published on: March 10, 2020
Is the Medium Still the Message? Culture-Independent Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Infections
Neil Sood1, Gary Carbell1, Holly S Greenwald2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Abstract:
Infectious diarrhea is caused by a variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasitic organisms. Though the causative agent of diarrhea has historically been evaluated via stool cultures, recently, culture-independent diagnostic tests (CIDT) have been developed and utilized with increasing frequency. Current practice guidelines recommend their use as adjuncts to stool cultures for diagnosing acute and chronic diarrhea. The three principal CIDT are microscopy, enzyme-based immunoassays (EIAs), and molecular based polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This review explores the common causes of infectious diarrhea, the basics of stool culture, the diagnostic utility of these three culture-independent modalities, and the strengths and weaknesses of all currently available clinical techniques. It also outlines considerations for specific populations including returning travelers and those with inflammatory bowel disease.
Insights
Culture-independent diagnostic tests (CIDTs) are increasingly used alongside stool cultures for infectious diarrhea. This review compares CIDTs like PCR and EIAs to traditional methods, aiding clinical decisions.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Infectious diarrhea stems from diverse viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens.
- Stool cultures have been the historical diagnostic standard.
- Culture-independent diagnostic tests (CIDTs) are now widely adopted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common causes of infectious diarrhea.
- To compare the diagnostic utility of microscopy, EIAs, and PCR-based CIDTs.
- To evaluate strengths and weaknesses of current diagnostic techniques.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of infectious diarrhea diagnostics.
- Analysis of stool culture principles.
- Evaluation of three primary CIDTs: microscopy, EIAs, and PCR.
Main Results:
- CIDTs are recommended as adjuncts to stool cultures for acute and chronic diarrhea.
- Microscopy, EIAs, and PCR represent the principal CIDT modalities.
- The review details the diagnostic utility, strengths, and weaknesses of each technique.
Conclusions:
- CIDTs offer valuable alternatives and adjuncts to traditional stool cultures for diagnosing infectious diarrhea.
- Understanding the nuances of different CIDTs is crucial for effective patient management.
- Specific considerations for populations like travelers and IBD patients are outlined.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Serum Laboratory Studies, Stool Test, Breath Test
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
01:17Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System I: Subjective Data
Health History
The initial step in assessing the GI system is obtaining a comprehensive health history. This includes inquiring about the patient's history or presence of problems...
01:30Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
01:50What is Monogastric Digestion?
01:28Methods of Classification and Identification