Respiratory Viruses Co-detection on a Multiplex RT-PCR Panel: a Comparative Clinical Study

Area of Science:

• Clinical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

• The FilmArray Respiratory Panel (RP) is a valuable point-of-care diagnostic tool for identifying respiratory pathogens.
• Co-detection of multiple pathogens by the FilmArray RP can complicate the interpretation of results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the co-detection rates and discordances of the FilmArray Respiratory Panel (RP) compared to other respiratory pathogen detection methods.
• To assess the reliability of syndromic respiratory panels in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• Nasopharyngeal swab specimens from patients with respiratory symptoms were tested.
• FilmArray RP co-detection results were compared with those from Allplex Respiratory Panels.
• Discordance rates for individual viruses and virus combinations were analyzed.

Main Results:

• 18.7% of 765 FilmArray RP tests showed co-detections, with most involving two viruses.
• The most common co-detection was human rhinovirus/enterovirus (HRV/HEV) with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
• An overall discordance rate of 32.9% was observed, with significant discrepancies in adenovirus (AdV) detection.

Conclusions:

• Discordances between the FilmArray RP and other panels varied depending on the specific virus combinations.
• Additional confirmatory testing is advised for specific pathogens and combinations based on clinical significance.
• The findings highlight the need for careful interpretation of syndromic respiratory panel results.