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Original Research | Molecular Biology | Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026 | Pages: 361 - 365 | India
A Retrospective Analysis of the BioFire FilmArray Meningitis / Encephalitis Panel in a Tertiary Care Setting
Abstract: Meningitis and encephalitis (ME) represent critical, life-threatening central nervous system (CNS) emergencies requiring immediate etiological identification to optimize clinical outcomes. Delayed or inaccurate diagnosis prolongs empirical, broad-spectrum antimicrobial use, increasing the risks of drug toxicities and accelerating the development of antimicrobial resistance. Traditional laboratory modalities- including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Gram staining, automated aerobic cultures, and single-plex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)- frequently exhibit lengthy turnaround times (TAT) or severely compromised sensitivity, particularly following the pre-hospital administration of empirical antibiotics. This comprehensive retrospective evaluation analyzes the diagnostic yield, pathogen distribution, and antimicrobial stewardship impacts of the multiplex BioFire FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis (ME) Panel at a high-volume tertiary healthcare facility in South India. Clinical and molecular data collected from 439 consecutive CSF specimens between January 1, 2022, and May 27, 2026, were analyzed. The assay evaluated 14 specific targets (bacterial, viral, and fungal) simultaneously in approximately one hour. The overall diagnostic yield stood at 12.3% (n = 54/439). Streptococcus pneumoniae and Enterovirus were identified as the predominant bacterial and viral etiologies, respectively. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the panel's capacity to facilitate rapid de-escalation of empirical therapies (e.g., discontinuation of intravenous acyclovir or broad-spectrum carbapenems), while addressing critical implementation challenges such as false-positives from latent viral shedding and the inherent threat of regional off-panel pathogens.
Keywords: Meningitis Panel, Encephalitis, BioFire Film Array, Cerebrospinal fluid, Antimicrobial Stewardship
How to Cite?: Velamuri Abhishek, Sukrutha Gopal Reddy, "A Retrospective Analysis of the BioFire FilmArray Meningitis / Encephalitis Panel in a Tertiary Care Setting", Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 361-365, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26704183628, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26704183628