Utility of multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in diarrhea—An Indian perspective

Background Infective diarrhea causes morbidity worldwide. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based pathogen diagnostics of diarrheal stool specimens are shown to be highly sensitive and rapid as opposed to conventional diagnostics. Methods We analyzed the performance of FilmArray gastrointestinal (GI) panel, one such multiplex PCR test, on stool specimens in patients presenting with diarrhea to our hospital from March 2016 to September 2017 and compared the results with conventional diagnostic tests. Results A total of 106 patients were included. The panel detected at least one target in 54 out of 106 patients (50.9%) with results available on the same day. Multiple targets were detected in 26 out of 54 patients who tested positive (48.1%). Bacteria as an isolated etiology for diarrhea was present in 34 patients (62.9%), viruses (16.7%, nine patients), parasites (7.4%, four patients), and multiple pathogens in seven patients (12.9%). Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) was the commonest pathogen detected (in 23, 24% patients). Conventional diagnostic investigations, undertaken in 68/106 (64.1%) patients were positive in 12 (17.65%) as compared to 54/106 (50.9%) ( p < 0.0001). Conventional investigations detected a pathogen not included in the study panel in 11 of 52 patients (21.1%). Conclusion FilmArray multiplex PCR panel detects a wide array of GI pathogens including viruses and co-infections at a shorter time with more sensitivity compared to conventional diagnostics. Henceforth, it may facilitate treatment decisions, isolation policy, and antimicrobial stewardship in patients with diarrhea requiring hospitalization.