The New Enteric Multiplex PCR

August 2022
Ampath | ampath.co.za

Why Update Enteric Pathogen Testing?

• Gastroenteritis is one of the most common infectious syndromes globally
• Estimated 2.4 billion cases occur annually
• Although many are self-limiting, serious cases can lead to morbidity and mortality, particularly in:
  • Children under 5
  • Elderly individuals
  • Immunocompromised patients

Limitations of Conventional Testing

• Stool culture, while the gold standard, is:
  • Laborious
  • Lacks sensitivity
  • Has a turnaround time of 2–3 days
• Microscopy may miss some parasites
• Co-infections are often underdiagnosed

Advantages of the New Multiplex PCR

Ampath’s new cost-effective enteric multiplex PCR addresses these issues with:

• Faster results: 24-hour turnaround
• Higher sensitivity
• Improved detection of difficult-to-culture pathogens
• Support for antimicrobial stewardship:
  • A negative PCR result can justify withholding antibiotics
• Improved diagnostic yield:
  • Verification study on 391 stool samples showed:
    • PCR detected 109 pathogens
    • Culture and microscopy detected only 57

Commonly Missed Pathogens Detected More Reliably by PCR

• Campylobacter spp.
• Shigella spp.
• Cryptosporidium spp.
• Giardia lamblia

Test Details (ENTERICPCR)

✅ Pathogen Targets

Bacterial Pathogens

• Salmonella species
• Shigella species
• Campylobacter species
• Shiga toxin

Parasitic Pathogens

• Cryptosporidium species
• Giardia lamblia

✅ Target Patient Population

Recommended for patients presenting with acute diarrhoea AND warning signs, including:

• Fever
• Bloody diarrhoea or dysentery
• Severe abdominal pain
• Hospitalisation
• Dehydration
• Signs of sepsis
• Immunocompromised state

✅ Test Summary

• Test mnemonic: ENTERICPCR
• Specimen type: Stool
• Turnaround time: 24 hours (from lab receipt)
• Cost: Covered by medical aid schemes; discount applies for upfront payment

📌 Contact your local Ampath representative for detailed pricing or test guidance.