General Information
Gastrointestinal Panel PCR
(FilmArray)
Common enteric pathogens (bacteria, viruses, Giardia and Cryptosporidia) are detected by PCR using the Gastrointestinal Panel PCR
(FilmArray).
One specimen is required to exclude those pathogens included in this panel.
Culture for bacterial pathogens
Following detection of enteric bacterial pathogens by PCR, where relevant, culture and typing is performed for public health reasons.
Aeromonas
Aeromonas
is not a target of the FilmArray Gastrointestinal panel.
The pathogenic role of
Aeromonas
spp. in gastroenteritis is uncertain. Where
Aeromonas
is associated with diarrhoea, illness is usually self-limited, and specific treatment is not required.
There may be a role for therapy in the immunocompromised. Culture for
Aeromonas
will be performed on specimens from immunocompromised patients or where specifically requested.
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
Y. pseudotuberculosis
is not a target of the FilmArray Gastrointestinal panel.
This organism rarely causes infection in humans, but may be associated with bacteraemia, terminal ileitis and pseudoappendicitis.
Culture for
Y. pseudotuberculosis
will be performed on specimens from patients with clinical details indicating "terminal ileitis", "appendicitis", or where specifically requested.
Clostridium difficile toxin
Gastrointestinal PCR FilmArray
Dr Sally Roberts
, Microbiologist:
ext 22705
Cellphone
021 674 140
Dr Sharmini Muttaiyah
, Microbiologist:
ext 22700
Cellphone
021 615 892
Dr Mary de Almeida
, Microbiologist:
ext 22700
Cellphone
021 170 9117
Dr Matthew Blakiston
, Microbiologist: contact via Lablink