Analysis of Meningoencephalitis Panel Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction in Patients with Suspected Central Nervous System Infection in a Tertiary Referral Center

Background: The use of multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the diagnosis of meningoencephalitis is increasing. We assessed the performance of meningoencephalitis panel (MEP) FilmArray in patients with suspected central nervous system (CNS) infections at our center. Methods: All patients who underwent multiplex PCR testing in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were included in the study. Results of routine CSF parameters along with multiplex PCR were analyzed. Results: Thirteen out of 89 CSF samples tested were positive by MEP FilmArray. All patients with positive PCR had abnormal CSF. Patients with suspected acute CNS infections had more positive results than chronic CNS infections (30% vs. 11%). The etiological diagnosis was possible in 12 additional patients with abnormal CSF parameters compared to conventional tests alone. Conclusions: Multiplex PCR is a useful add-on test for etiological diagnosis in patients suspected of acute CNS infections in the presence of abnormal CSF parameters. It also helped in antimicrobial stewardship by stopping or de-escalating of antibiotics.