Rapid Molecular Meningitis Panel Test (BioFire FilmArray)

Rapid Molecular BioFire Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Test

The FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis (ME) Panel tests cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for a variety of pathogens including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis (ME) Panel is a qualitative multiplexed nucleic acid-based in vitro diagnostic test intended for use with FilmArray systems. The FilmArray ME Panel is capable of simultaneous detection and identification of multiple bacterial, viral, and yeast nucleic acids directly from CSF specimens obtained via lumbar puncture from individuals with signs and/or symptoms of meningitis and/or encephalitis.

Meningitis is an inflammation of the fluid and membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is an infection which can be due to bacteria, virus, or sometimes fungi or parasites.

Possible signs and symptoms in anyone older than the age of 2 include:

• High grade fever
• Neck stiffness
• Severe headache associated nausea or vomiting
• Seizures
• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Loss of appetite

Possible signs and symptoms in Newborns and infants include:

• High grade fever
• Continuous crying
• Drowsiness
• Sluggishness
• Poor feeding
• Vomiting
• Neck and body stiffness

Viral infections are the most common cause of meningitis, followed by bacterial infections and, rarely, fungal and parasitic infection.

Bacterial meningitis can be life-threatening, identifying the cause is essential if not diagnosed and treated promptly may even be fatal. If treatment is delayed it may lead to permanent brain damage.

Viral meningitis is the most common type which is usually mild and is self- limiting.

Fungal meningitis is usually uncommon type. It usually occurs in immunocompromised individuals such as those with AIDS. It is highly fatal if not treated with antifungal medications.

Why is Rapid Molecular BioFire Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Test prescribed?

The health care provider may order this film array test in those patients diagnosed with meningitis to find the etiological agent responsible for the disease. This helps in providing prompt and appropriate treatment, thus preventing severe morbidity and mortality.

The advantages of Rapid Molecular BioFire Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Test are:

• Quick result
• High sensitivity
• Shorten hospital stay
• Reduce cost of treatment
• Reduction in unnecessary antibiotic use

What are the components of BioFire FilmArray test?

It is syndromic approach panel test, which targets the following: Bacteria:

• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Neisseria meningitidis,
• Streptococcus agalactiae
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Listeria monocytogenes
• Escherichia coli K1
• Viruses:
• Enterovirus
• Herpes simplex virus 1(HSV-1)
• Herpes simplex virus 2(HSV-2)
• Human herpesvirus6(HHV-6)
• Cytomegalovirus(CMV)
• Varicella zoster virus(VZV)
• Human parechovirus
• Fungus/yeast:
• Cryptococcus neoformans/gatti

Procedure and prerequisites

This test uses multiplex PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technology to quickly find out etiological agent of meningitis in a particular patient. It is done on a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) which is taken out from the patient with the help of a procedure called lumbar puncture. The sample should not be centrifuged. About 0.2ml of CSF is required for the test. This test is recommended in those patients with acute meningitis (within 8 Days of onset of symptoms).