Multiplexed Molecular Diagnostics for Respiratory, Gastrointestinal, and Central Nervous System Infections

Clin Infect Dis. 2016 Nov 15;63(10):1361-1367. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciw494. Epub 2016 Jul 20.

Abstract

The development and implementation of highly multiplexed molecular diagnostic tests have allowed clinical microbiology laboratories to more rapidly and sensitively detect a variety of pathogens directly in clinical specimens. Current US Food and Drug Administration-approved multiplex panels target multiple different organisms simultaneously and can identify the most common pathogens implicated in respiratory viral, gastrointestinal, or central nervous system infections. This review summarizes the test characteristics of available assays, highlights the advantages and limitations of multiplex technology for infectious diseases, and discusses potential utilization of these new tests in clinical practice.

Keywords: gastrointestinal; meningoencephalitis; molecular diagnostics; respiratory.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bacteria / classification
  • Bacteria / genetics
  • Bacterial Infections / diagnosis
  • Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Central Nervous System Infections* / diagnosis
  • Central Nervous System Infections* / microbiology
  • Central Nervous System Infections* / virology
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases* / microbiology
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases* / virology
  • Humans
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / methods*
  • Respiratory Tract Infections* / diagnosis
  • Respiratory Tract Infections* / microbiology
  • Respiratory Tract Infections* / virology
  • Virus Diseases / diagnosis
  • Virus Diseases / virology
  • Viruses / classification
  • Viruses / genetics