Assessment of the Clinical Utility of the FilmArrayTM Gastrointestinal Panel for Detecting Gastrointestinal Pathogens.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal infections present a significant public health concern as they lead to diverse clinical presentations and healthcare challenges. The rapid and accurate identification of causative pathogens is imperative for effective patient management. This study aimed to assess the clinical utility of the FilmArrayTM Gastrointestinal (GI) Panel for detecting gastrointestinal pathogens. METHODS: Between November 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023, we analysed gastrointestinal specimens collected from a cohort of patients aged 21 to 91 at Asia University Hospital. These specimens were analyzed using the FilmArrayTM GI Panel. RESULTS: The study included 76 patients for whom the FilmArrayTM GI assay was conducted, with 40 (52.6%) showing positive results. Among the positive specimens, 23 (57.5%) had a single pathogen, while the remaining 17 (42.5%) had multiple pathogens. The remaining 36 (47.4%) specimens showed no pathogens. The overall positivity rate of the specimens was 52.6%. The most frequently detected pathogens included Salmonella, Clostridium difficile (toxin A/B), and Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC). CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the clinical value of the FilmArrayTM GI assay as a rapid and reliable tool for diagnosing gastrointestinal infections. Its capacity to detect multiple pathogens simultaneously enhances diagnostic accuracy and gives information to use in clinical decision-making. We strongly recommend its integration into clinical practice to expedite the diagnosis and management of gastrointestinal infections, ultimately leading to improved patient care and healthcare efficiency.