Diagnostic Use
Gastrointestinal Panel PCR (QIAGEN QIAstat-Dx):
Common enteric pathogens (bacteria, viruses, Giardia and Cryptosporidia) are detected by PCR using the Gastrointestinal Panel PCR (QIAGEN QIAstat-Dx).
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 is not a target of the QIAGEN Qiastat-Dx 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 is not a target of the QIAGEN Qiastat-Dx 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.