Utility of two novel multiplexing assays for the detection of gastrointestinal pathogens – a first experience

Pascal Kahlau,Oliver Schildgen,Verena Schildgen,Ingo Winterfeld,Frauke Mattner,Monika Malecki,Sabine Messler,Christine Schulz

doi:10.1186/2193-1801-2-106

Pascal Kahlau, Oliver Schildgen + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/2193-1801-2-106

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Abstract

BackgroundCause for gastroenteritis range from viral, bacterial to parasitic pathogens. Rapid Multiplexing techniques like ProGastro_SSCS and xTAG_GPP can detect broad panels of pathogens simultaneously.We performed a field test with a total number of 347 stool samples from adult hospitalized patients that were tested with the Luminex xTAG GPP assay; of the 157 samples positively tested for at least one pathogen by xTAG GPP a total number of 30 samples was retested with the ProGastro SSCS assay. Assays were compared to standard routine diagnostics.FindingsMultiplexing significantly reduced the time to the initial identification of a pathogen. Moreover, multiplexing detected pathogens for which a diagnostic assays was not requested by the physician and thus may be an important tool for avoiding nosocomial outbreaks.ConclusionThis first frontline approach with these assays approves their utility compared to conventional microbiological methods.

Highlights

Cause for gastroenteritis range from viral, bacterial to parasitic pathogens
This first frontline approach with these assays approves their utility compared to conventional microbiological methods
Two novel assays were launched to the market which have the potential to speed up the initial pathogen identification, namely the xTAG Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel developed by Luminex (Luminex Molecular Diagnostics, Toronto, Canada), and the ProGastro SSCS assay by Gen-Probe (Gen-Probe Incorporated, San Diego, USA)

Summary

Introduction

Cause for gastroenteritis range from viral, bacterial to parasitic pathogens. Rapid Multiplexing techniques like ProGastro_SSCS and xTAG_GPP can detect broad panels of pathogens simultaneously. The volume for the PCR reaction was 25 μL containing 5 μL nucleic acid of the samples or positive controls (Salmonella, Shigella, C. jejuni, Shiga Toxin producing E. coli (SSCSpc) and C. coli) and 20 μL of SSC or STEC mix, respectively. With the xTAG GPP assay 347 samples were tested and 157 were positive for one or more pathogenic organisms.

Results

Conclusion