Evaluation of BioFire Filmarray panel for respiratory pathogens: a demographic and clinical analysis in Istanbul, Turkey

We aimed to analyze the distribution of respiratory pathogens(RP) detected by a multiplex PCR-based method (BioFire Diagnostics, USA) among patients with suspected respiratory tract infections (RTI) and to evaluate the demographic, clinical and radiological characteristics of infected individuals . RP were detected in 1621/6376 (25.4%) of the samples in the years 2018-2020. Rhinovirus/enterovirus (RV/EV) were the most commonly detected pathogens (38.1%) followed by influenza A and B viruses (21%) and parainfluenza virus (PIV) (9.5%). Single pathogen was detected in 1361 (84%) and multi pathogens in 260 (16%) of 1621 samples. At least one comorbidity was present in 379 (30.5%) of the patients. Fever was the most common sign followed by cough and dyspnea. Thorax CT was present in 426 of 1243 RP positive patients (34.3%). Any radiological findings was found significantly related for a specific pathogen. No medication was given to 52.9% whereas antibiotics in 35.7% and antivirals in 3.8% of the patients. Film Array panel as a multiplex PCR test is not used rationally in our hospital and results were not dramatically improve management of RTI. A better communication between clinician and microbiologist is required for efficient use of laboratory and rational use of antimicrobials.