Using New Methods to Reanalyze Pediatric Diarrhea

Quantitative molecular diagnostic techniques showed that six pathogens accounted for 78% of diarrhea cases among children aged <5 years in Asia and Africa.

The Global Enteric Multicenter Study (GEMS) used culture, enzyme immunoassay, and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing to assess causes of moderate-to-severe diarrhea among children aged <5 years in Asia and Africa (NEJM JW Infect Dis Aug 2013 and Lancet 2013; 382:209). Researchers have now reanalyzed 5304 GEMS sample pairs (cases and matched asymptomatic controls) using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) tests for 32 enteropathogens. Model-derived cutoff values determined clinically relevant levels.

For most pathogens, incidence was greater with qPCR than with the original testing methods, most notably a roughly fivefold greater incidence of adenovirus 40/41; exceptions included rotavirus and Cryptosporidium species.…

Reviewing Author

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Using New Methods to Reanalyze Pediatric Diarrhea

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Reviewing Author