Optimization of the Diagnosis of Central Nervous System Infections in Vietnamese Hospitals: Results From a Retrospective Multicenter Study

Do Van Dong, Sébastien Boutin, Vu Viet Sang, Nguyen Dang Manh, Nghiem Xuan Hoan, Hoang Xuan Quang, Tran Thi Lien, Van Dinh Trang, Nguyen Trong The, Le Thi Kieu Linh, Kristina Schmauder, Viola Ueltzhöffer, Nourhane Hafza, Susanne Hauswaldt, Jan Rupp, Peter G Kremsner, Le Huu Song, Dennis Nurjadi, Silke Peter, Thirumalaisamy P Velavan

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Central nervous system infections pose significant health challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, because of high morbidity and mortality rates. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment to prevent adverse outcomes. Traditional culture-based diagnostics are often slow and lack specificity. This study evaluates the BioFire FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis (FAME) Panel against standard diagnostics in Vietnam to assess its clinical impact and suitability for local epidemiology.

METHODS: We conducted a prospective study involving 330 patients with suspected central nervous system infections at 4 hospitals in northern Vietnam from July 2022 to April 2023. Cerebrospinal fluid samples were analyzed using routine culture methods and FAME. We compared pathogen detection rates and assessed the potential clinical impact of FAME results on patient management.

RESULTS: Of the 330 cerebrospinal fluid specimens, 64 (19%) were positive by either conventional diagnostics (n = 48) and/or FAME (n = 33). The agreement between FAME and conventional diagnostics was 87%. Key pathogens Mycobacterium tuberculosis (n = 7), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 5), Streptococcus suis (n = 5), Epstein-Barr virus (n = 3), Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 1), and Trichosporon asahii (n = 1) were not detected by FAME. Classical meningitis parameter clinical symptoms, altered glucose, protein, and pleocytosis were good predictors of FAME positivity, indicating their utility in optimizing local diagnostic algorithms.

CONCLUSIONS: FAME complements traditional diagnostics by offering rapid and broad pathogen detection, crucial for timely and appropriate therapy. However, its effectiveness varies with local epidemiology, and it should not replace conventional methods entirely. Tailoring diagnostic panels to regional pathogen prevalence is recommended to enhance diagnostic accuracy and clinical outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.

Original languageEnglish
JournalOpen forum infectious diseases
Volume11
Issue number9
Pages (from-to)ofae531
ISSN2328-8957
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 09.2024

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