Outcomes of implementation of the FilmArray meningoencephalitis panel in a tertiary hospital between 2017 and 2020.

Background: Acute meningoencephalitis is encountered commonly in the acute hospital setting and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, in addition to significant healthcare costs. Multiplex PCR panels now allow syndromic testing for central nervous system infection. The BioFire® FilmArray® Meningoencephalitis (ME) allows testing of 14 target pathogens using only 0.

Assessment of the FilmArray® multiplex PCR system and associated meningitis/encephalitis panel in the diagnostic service of a tertiary hospital.

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of meningitis/encephalitis (M/E) is essential for successful patient outcomes. The FilmArray® meningitis/encephalitis Panel (MEP) is a multiplexed PCR test for simultaneous, rapid detection of pathogens directly from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. 94 prospectively collected CSF specimens from patients with clinical suspicion of infective M/E underwent testing for 14 pathogens simultaneously, including , , , and .

Detection of Neisseria meningitidis in a paediatric patient with septic arthritis using multiplexed diagnostic PCR targeting meningitis/encephalitis (ME).

Background: Neisseria meningitidis is associated with meningitis and septicemia. Septic meningococcal arthritis is relatively uncommon and its diagnosis associated with clinical and microbiological challenges. Early recognition and treatment is required to prevent joint destruction.