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PCR Testing

A PCR infectious disease panel, also known as a multiplex PCR infectious disease panel or PCR syndromic panel, is a diagnostic test that utilizes polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to simultaneously detect multiple infectious agents associated with a specific clinical syndrome or disease presentation. These panels are designed to identify a broad range of pathogens quickly and accurately, aiding in the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases.

PCR infectious disease panels offer several advantages, including:

  • Rapid and simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens
  • High sensitivity and specificity
  • Reduced time to diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment
  • Improved patient management and infection control measures

These panels are particularly valuable in settings where rapid diagnosis is essential for patient care, outbreak management, and antimicrobial stewardship. However, it’s important to interpret PCR panel results in conjunction with clinical findings and patient history to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of infectious diseases.

The composition of PCR infectious disease panels may vary depending on the clinical context, geographic location, and prevalence of specific pathogens. However, common categories of pathogens targeted by these panels include:

Respiratory Pathogens:

  • Influenza viruses (types A and B)
  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
  • Human metapneumovirus (hMPV)
  • Adenovirus
  • Parainfluenza viruses
  • Rhinovirus/enterovirus
  • Coronaviruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, human coronaviruses NL63, 229E, OC43, and HKU1)

Gastrointestinal Pathogens:

  • Norovirus
  • Rotavirus
  • Adenovirus
  • Enteroviruses
  • Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC)
  • Salmonella spp.
  • Shigella spp.
  • Campylobacter spp.
  • Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile)
  • Giardia lamblia
  • Cryptosporidium spp.

Central Nervous System Infections:

  • Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
  • Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)
  • Enteroviruses
  • Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6)
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
  • Listeria monocytogenes
  • Neisseria meningitidis
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • Haemophilus influenza

Bloodstream Infections:

  • Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant S. aureus, MRSA)
  • Streptococcus species
  • Enterococcus species
  • Escherichia coli
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Candida species

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs):

  • Chlamydia trachomatis
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae
  • Trichomonas vaginalis
  • Mycoplasma genitalium
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
  • Treponema pallidum (syphilis)