Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 29, 2026

Cerebrospinal Fluid MicroRNA Profiling Using Quantitative Real Time PCR
09:26

Cerebrospinal Fluid MicroRNA Profiling Using Quantitative Real Time PCR

Published on: January 22, 2014

15.5K

Use of the FilmArray® Meningitis/Encephalitis panel to detect pathogenic microorganisms in cerebrospinal fluid

Makoto Hara1, Masaki Ishihara1, Hideto Nakajima1

  • 1Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.

The Journal of International Medical Research
|October 10, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The FilmArray® Meningitis/Encephalitis (ME) panel offers rapid pathogen detection for neurological emergencies. This multiplex polymerase chain reaction test significantly reduces diagnostic time compared to conventional methods, enabling quicker treatment initiation.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

  • Meningitis and encephalitis are critical neurological emergencies demanding prompt diagnosis and intervention.
  • Current diagnostic approaches often involve lengthy processes, delaying crucial treatment.
  • The FilmArray® Meningitis/Encephalitis (ME) panel represents a rapid multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic tool.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the performance of the FilmArray® ME panel in diagnosing meningitis and encephalitis.
  • To compare the diagnostic accuracy and speed of the FilmArray® ME panel against conventional diagnostic methods.
  • To assess the potential of the FilmArray® ME panel in reducing time to definitive diagnosis.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study involving 20 patients diagnosed with meningitis or encephalitis.
  • Comparison of results obtained from the FilmArray® ME panel with conventional laboratory methods.
  • Analysis of pathogen identification rates and time to results for both methods.

Main Results:

  • The FilmArray® ME panel identified pathogens in 55% of patients, compared to 45% with conventional methods.
  • Specific pathogens detected included herpes simplex viruses (types 1 and 2), varicella-zoster virus, *Streptococcus pneumoniae*, and *Cryptococcus neoformans*.
  • Median time for pathogen identification was significantly reduced to 2 hours with the FilmArray® ME panel versus 96 hours for conventional methods.

Conclusions:

  • The FilmArray® ME panel demonstrates comparable sensitivity to conventional methods for detecting common meningitis and encephalitis pathogens.
  • This multiplex PCR test substantially decreases the time required for pathogen identification.
  • The rapid results from the FilmArray® ME panel can facilitate earlier initiation of definitive treatment for patients.
Keywords:
FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis panelMeningitiscerebrospinal fluidencephalitismultiplex polymerase chain reactionpathogen detection

More Related Videos

A High Throughput, Multiplexed and Targeted Proteomic CSF Assay to Quantify Neurodegenerative Biomarkers and Apolipoprotein E Isoforms Status07:08

A High Throughput, Multiplexed and Targeted Proteomic CSF Assay to Quantify Neurodegenerative Biomarkers and Apolipoprotein E Isoforms Status

Published on: October 20, 2016

7.9K
Hippocampal Neuronal Cultures to Detect and Study New Pathogenic Antibodies Involved in Autoimmune Encephalitis08:20

Hippocampal Neuronal Cultures to Detect and Study New Pathogenic Antibodies Involved in Autoimmune Encephalitis

Published on: June 2, 2022

3.4K

Related Concept Videos

Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...