Is the medium still the message? Culture-independent diagnosis of gastrointestinal infections
N Sood, G Carbell, HS Greenwald… - Digestive Diseases and …, 2022 - Springer
N Sood, G Carbell, HS Greenwald, FK Friedenberg
Digestive Diseases and Sciences, 2022•SpringerInfectious diarrhea is caused by a variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and
parasitic organisms. Though the causative agent of diarrhea has historically been evaluated
via stool cultures, recently, culture-independent diagnostic tests (CIDT) have been
developed and utilized with increasing frequency. Current practice guidelines recommend
their use as adjuncts to stool cultures for diagnosing acute and chronic diarrhea. The three
principal CIDT are microscopy, enzyme-based immunoassays (EIAs), and molecular based …
parasitic organisms. Though the causative agent of diarrhea has historically been evaluated
via stool cultures, recently, culture-independent diagnostic tests (CIDT) have been
developed and utilized with increasing frequency. Current practice guidelines recommend
their use as adjuncts to stool cultures for diagnosing acute and chronic diarrhea. The three
principal CIDT are microscopy, enzyme-based immunoassays (EIAs), and molecular based …
Abstract
Infectious diarrhea is caused by a variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasitic organisms. Though the causative agent of diarrhea has historically been evaluated via stool cultures, recently, culture-independent diagnostic tests (CIDT) have been developed and utilized with increasing frequency. Current practice guidelines recommend their use as adjuncts to stool cultures for diagnosing acute and chronic diarrhea. The three principal CIDT are microscopy, enzyme-based immunoassays (EIAs), and molecular based polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This review explores the common causes of infectious diarrhea, the basics of stool culture, the diagnostic utility of these three culture-independent modalities, and the strengths and weaknesses of all currently available clinical techniques. It also outlines considerations for specific populations including returning travelers and those with inflammatory bowel disease.
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