Utility of BioFire FilmArray Gastrointestinal Panel in the Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Infections

Abstract Background Conventional diagnostic methods like culture and microscopy are time-consuming and have low diagnostic yield for gastrointestinal infections. New rapid molecular methods such as multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) have recently been introduced for etiological diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of the FilmArray gastrointestinal panel (GIP) in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal infections. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective study performed in the microbiology department of a tertiary care hospital. Stool samples were received and processed according to the manufacturer's instructions by FilmArray GIP. Stool culture and routine microscopy were also performed. Results The mean age of the 32 patients was 46 ± 24.2 years and with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1. Out of 32 stool samples received for testing by BioFire GIP, 23 samples (71.9%) were found to be positive for one or the other target. A total of 41 targets were detected from 23 positive patients, with predominant bacterial etiology (65.9%) followed by parasitic (31.7%) and viral (4.9%). Giardia lamblia was the most common (26.8%) target detected in all age groups. Additionally, in 56.5% of patients, more than one target was detected. The stool culture was positive in 2 of the 16 patients (12.5%). Conclusion The FilmArray GIP showed very good diagnostic performance compared with culture for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal infections. Further studies are needed to determine whether multiplex PCR improves patient outcomes and reduces costs.