The Perils of Multiplex Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panels: Pseudo-outbreaks of Salmonellae and Entamoeba histolytica in Immunocompromised Hosts

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2018 Jul;39(7):867-870. doi: 10.1017/ice.2018.95. Epub 2018 May 10.

Abstract

Two distinct clusters of gastroenteritis due to Salmonellae and Entamoeba histolytica (EH) were identified using a multiplex gastrointestinal pathogen panel (GPP) at a tertiary-care cancer center. Despite temporo-spatial overlap, our investigation did not corroborate transmission or true infection. In clinical practice, GPPs may render false-positive results.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;867-870.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cancer Care Facilities
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Entamoeba histolytica / isolation & purification*
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Female
  • Gastroenteritis / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • New York City
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Salmonella / isolation & purification*