International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health

In the field of infectious diseases, the technique has been shown to be a valuable method for the identification of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and/or parasites. One such platform is the Syndromic approach, which tests for various pathogens using FilmArray panels. The paper aims to assess the impact of using the BioFire® FilmArray® within an antibiotic stewardship program on faster pathogen detection and improved antibiotic use in a tertiary care hospital in Northern India. A total of 162 samples from patients admitted to our centre with physician-labelled diagnosis of URTI, Pneumonia, Gastrointestinal infection and CNS infection were analysed by BioFire® FilmArray® from July 2022 to July 2023. A Prospective observational study. The Pneumonia Panel showed the highest positivity rate, with 38 positive cases out of a total of 39, resulting in a positivity rate of 97%. This was followed by upper respiratory specimens (59%), BCID-2 (35%), and the Meningitis Panel (17%).

Out of a total of 39 specimens (BAL/Sputum/Tracheal aspirates) tested using the Pneumonia Panel (PN Plus), 38 (97%) showed positive results, compared to conventional culture, which had a positivity rate of only 67%. The detection of viral aetiologies can guide clinicians to withhold or discontinue the antibiotics and prescribe more targeted therapy. This guided escalation, de-escalation and discontinuation decisions can strengthen the antibiotic stewardship decisions and thereby improve the patient outcomes. However, the high cost remains a limiting factor and must be included in the institutional protocol prioritization and diagnostic budgets to ensure sustainable implementation.