Pathogen prevalence in IBD and non-IBD patients using multiplex PCR stool test

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of gastroenteritis agents in diarrhea patients with and without IBD using the gastrointestinal panel (GIP) test and also to evaluate its potential effect on infection control and patient prognosis by providing early diagnosis of the causative agent of gastroenteritis. Material and Methods: Our study is a retrospective cohort analysis. A total of 266 patients with diarrhea were included in the study conducted at Gazi University, School of Medicine. Data on age, sex, UC/CD presence, stool culture, microscopic examination, and gastrointestinal pathogen PCR stool test results were collected. Results: 266 patients with diarrhea underwent 339 GI panel tests. Among the 266 patients studied, 13 patients were determined as IBD. 154 enteric pathogens were detected in 101 patients by GIP testing. EPEC (22.8%) was the most common pathogen in both IBD and non-IBD patients. In addition, ETEC, EAEC, C.difficile and C.parvum were found in IBD patients, and no viral pathogen was detected. No significant difference was observed in IBD subtype and gender distribution. Discussion: This study found that patients with IBD had fewer bacterial and parasitic pathogens detected compared to those without IBD, potentially due to non-infectious causes of diarrhea and altered systemic immunity. Identifying any fecal pathogen is significant for treatment in IBD patients. PCR-based stool tests are advantageous over conventional methods in pathogen detection. This study found that patients with IBD had fewer bacterial and parasitic pathogens detected compared to those without IBD, potentially due to non-infectious causes of diarrhea and altered systemic immunity. Identifying any fecal pathogen is significant for treatment in IBD patients. PCR-based stool tests are advantageous over conventional methods in pathogen detection.