This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the FilmArray™
Respiratory Panel (RP), a multiplex PCR test capable of simultaneously
screening for 20 different pathogens. Upper respiratory tract infections
(URTIs) are commonly caused by a variety of pathogens, leading to diagnostic
challenges due to overlapping symptoms. Rapid and precise diagnostic tests are
essential for effective treatment planning. Traditional culture-based
diagnostic methods, while reliable, are hindered by their dependence on skilled
personnel and lengthy processing times. In contrast, multiplex polymerase chain
reaction (PCR) techniques provide enhanced accuracy and speed in identifying
respiratory pathogens. The study was conducted at Dankook University Hospital
in South Korea, this retrospective analysis spanned from January 2018 to December
2022 and included samples from patients presenting with upper respiratory tract
infections. The results revealed that adenovirus was the most prevalent
pathogen, identified in 18.9% of cases, followed by influenza virus A at 16.5%.
Notably, a co-infection rate of 22.5% was observed. The FilmArray™ RP method
successfully identified 20 pathogens within 2 hours, enabling prompt treatment
decisions and reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. The integration of
advanced diagnostic technologies, such as the FilmArray™ RP, in routine
clinical practice is paramount for accurate pathogen identification and
effective patient management. Overall, this study contributes to the growing
body of evidence on the epidemiology of upper respiratory tract infections, offering
foundational data that can support evidence-based decision-making in public
health. This study highlights the significant advantages of multiplex PCR in
the identification of respiratory pathogens, providing valuable insights for
both epidemiological surveillance and clinical diagnosis.
Author(s) Details
Young Jun Hong
Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences,
Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea.
Bo Kyeung Jung
Department of Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, Dankook University,
Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea.
Jae Kyung Kim
Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences,
Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea.
Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mmrnp/v2/1282
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