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Updated: May 8, 2026
Detection and Genogrouping of Noroviruses from Children's Stools By Taqman One-step RT-PCR
Published on: July 22, 2012
Detection of gastrointestinal pathogens in stool samples using a rapid multiplex PCR test at a large tertiary
Nadira Yasmin1, Juliana M Ruzante2, James A Barkley3
1Center for Foodborne Illness Research and Prevention, Department of Food Science and Technology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
Insights
Acute gastrointestinal infections (AGIs) in children are common. This study analyzed five years of data, finding common pathogens and trends in detection rates, with most increasing until 2019 before declining in 2020.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Clinical microbiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Acute gastrointestinal infections (AGIs) and diarrheal diseases significantly affect children globally.
- Understanding the epidemiology of AGIs in pediatric populations is crucial for effective public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the clinical and epidemiological features of pediatric patients with AGIs.
- To analyze pathogen detection rates and trends using the BIOFIRE® FILMARRAY® Gastrointestinal Panel.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 17,611 stool samples from 12,783 pediatric patients (2016-2020).
- Utilized the BIOFIRE® FILMARRAY® Gastrointestinal Panel for pathogen detection.
- Employed Poisson and logistic regression to assess trends and risk factors.
Main Results:
- 47.3% of tested stool samples were positive for at least one pathogen.
- Commonly detected pathogens included Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, Clostridioides difficile, and norovirus.
- Annual pathogen detection rates generally increased from 2016-2019, with a decline in 2020.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a comprehensive 5-year overview of AGI pathogen detection in children.
- Identified key pathogens and temporal trends in detection rates.
- Highlights the need for ongoing surveillance of pediatric AGIs.
Abstract:
Acute gastrointestinal infections (AGIs) and diarrheal disease disproportionately impact children. The purpose of this study was to characterize the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of pediatric patients who had stool samples tested using the BIOFIRE® FILMARRAY® Gastrointestinal Panel at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio from January 2016 to December 2020. Detection rates were estimated by pathogen. Poisson and logistic regression were used to assess trends and identify risk factors for detection. A total of 12,783 patients had 17,611 stool samples tested during the study period. Nearly half of stool samples (47.3 %) tested positive for at least one pathogen. Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, Clostridioides difficile, and norovirus were the most commonly detected. Overall annual detection rates for most pathogens increased from 2016 to 2019 and declined in 2020. This paper presents an analysis of five years of data that characterizes detection, hospitalizations, and deaths of children tested for AGI pathogens by sociodemographics.
