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Xie J, Kim K, Berenger BM, Chui L, Vanderkooi OG, Grisaru S, Freedman SB. Comparison of a Rapid Multiplex Gastrointestinal Panel with Standard Laboratory Testing in the Management of Children with Hematochezia in a Pediatric Emergency Department: Randomized Controlled Trial. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0026823. [PMID: 37039648 PMCID: PMC10269456 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00268-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in diagnostic microbiology allow for the rapid identification of a broad range of enteropathogens; such knowledge can inform care and reduce testing. We conducted a randomized, unblinded trial in a tertiary-care pediatric emergency department. Participants had stool (and rectal swabs if stool was not immediately available) tested using routine microbiologic approaches or by use of a device (BioFire FilmArray gastrointestinal panel), which identifies 22 pathogens with a 1-h instrument turnaround time. Participants were 6 months to <18.0 years and had acute bloody diarrhea. Primary outcome was performance of blood tests within 72 h. From 15 June 2018 through 7 May 2022, 60 children were randomized. Patients in the BioFire FilmArray arm had a reduced time to test result (median 3.0 h with interquartile range [IQR] of 3.0 to 4.0 h, versus 42.0 h (IQR 23.5 to 47.3 h); difference of -38.0 h, 95% confidence interval [CI] of -41.0 to -22.0 h). Sixty-five percent (20/31) of participants in the BioFire FilmArray group had a pathogen detected-most frequently enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (19%), Campylobacter (16%), and Salmonella (13%). Blood tests were performed in 52% of children in the BioFire FilmArray group and 62% in the standard-of-care group (difference of -10.5%, 95% CI of -35.4% to 14.5%). There were no between-group differences in the proportions of children administered intravenous fluids, antibiotics, hospitalized, or who had diagnostic imaging performed. Testing with the BioFire FilmArray reduced the time to result availability by 38 h. Although statistical significance was limited by study power, BioFire FilmArray use was not associated with clinically meaningful reductions in health care utilization or improved outcomes. IMPORTANCE Advances in diagnostic microbiology now allow for the faster and more accurate detection of an increasing number of pathogens. We determined, however, that in children with acute bloody diarrhea, these advances did not necessarily translate into improved clinical outcomes. While a greater number of pathogens was identified using a rapid turnaround multiplex stool diagnostic panel, with a reduction in the time to stool test result of over 1.5 days, this did not alter the practice of pediatric emergency medicine physicians, who continued to perform blood tests on a large proportion of children. While our conclusions may be limited by the relatively small sample size, targeted approaches that educate clinicians on the implementation of such technology into clinical care will be needed to optimize usage and maximize benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianling Xie
- Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kelly Kim
- Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Byron M. Berenger
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Precision Laboratories, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Linda Chui
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Precision Laboratories, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Otto G. Vanderkooi
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Silviu Grisaru
- Section of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stephen B. Freedman
- Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Balestracci A, Meni Battaglia L, Toledo I, Martin SM, Alvarado C. Prodromal Phase of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Related to Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli: The Wasted Time. Pediatr Emerg Care 2021; 37:e625-e630. [PMID: 31290797 DOI: 10.1097/pec.0000000000001850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate practice patterns during prodromal phase of hemolytic uremic syndrome related to Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC-HUS). METHODS Trajectories of children from first symptoms until STEC-HUS admitted consecutively at our center (period 2000-2017) were retrospectively reviewed. Early recommended practices include identification of STEC infections, antibiotics and antiperistaltic avoidance, and administration of anticipatory intravenous fluids; therefore, implementation and changes over time (before and after 2011) of such interventions were assessed. In addition, early management was correlated with acute disease outcomes. RESULTS Of 172 patients, 98 (57%) had early consults, 75 of them visit the pediatric emergency department. Those seen with watery diarrhea (n = 74) were managed as outpatients, whereas 27 of the 45 assisted with bloody diarrhea were hospitalized for diagnosis other than STEC-HUS. Stool cultures were performed in 13.4% (23/172), 18% (31/172) received antibiotics, and 12.8% (22/172) received endovenous fluids; none received antiperistaltic agents. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection was proven in 4% (7/172) before HUS. Rate of cultured patients and treated with intravenous fluids remained unchanged over time (P = 0.13 and P = 0.48, respectively), whereas antibiotic prescription decreased from 42.8% to 16.6% (P = 0.005). Main acute outcomes (need for dialysis, pancreatic compromise, central nervous system involvement, and death) were similar (P > 0.05) regardless of whether they received antibiotics or intravenous fluids. CONCLUSIONS During the diarrheal phase, 57% of patients consulted; three-quarters of them consulted to the pediatric emergency department. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli detection was poor, antibiotic use remained high, and anticipatory volume expansion was underused. These findings outline the critical need to improve the early management of STEC-HUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Balestracci
- From the Nephrology Unit, Hospital General de Niños Pedro de Elizalde, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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McKee RS, Schnadower D, Tarr PI, Xie J, Finkelstein Y, Desai N, Lane RD, Bergmann KR, Kaplan RL, Hariharan S, Cruz AT, Cohen DM, Dixon A, Ramgopal S, Rominger A, Powell EC, Kilgar J, Michelson KA, Beer D, Bitzan M, Pruitt CM, Yen K, Meckler GD, Plint AC, Bradin S, Abramo TJ, Gouin S, Kam AJ, Schuh A, Balamuth F, Hunley TE, Kanegaye JT, Jones NE, Avva U, Porter R, Fein DM, Louie JP, Freedman SB. Predicting Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome and Renal Replacement Therapy in Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia coli-infected Children. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 70:1643-1651. [PMID: 31125419 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections are leading causes of pediatric acute renal failure. Identifying hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) risk factors is needed to guide care. METHODS We conducted a multicenter, historical cohort study to identify features associated with development of HUS (primary outcome) and need for renal replacement therapy (RRT) (secondary outcome) in STEC-infected children without HUS at initial presentation. Children aged <18 years who submitted STEC-positive specimens between January 2011 and December 2015 at a participating study institution were eligible. RESULTS Of 927 STEC-infected children, 41 (4.4%) had HUS at presentation; of the remaining 886, 126 (14.2%) developed HUS. Predictors (all shown as odds ratio [OR] with 95% confidence interval [CI]) of HUS included younger age (0.77 [.69-.85] per year), leukocyte count ≥13.0 × 103/μL (2.54 [1.42-4.54]), higher hematocrit (1.83 [1.21-2.77] per 5% increase) and serum creatinine (10.82 [1.49-78.69] per 1 mg/dL increase), platelet count <250 × 103/μL (1.92 [1.02-3.60]), lower serum sodium (1.12 [1.02-1.23 per 1 mmol/L decrease), and intravenous fluid administration initiated ≥4 days following diarrhea onset (2.50 [1.14-5.46]). A longer interval from diarrhea onset to index visit was associated with reduced HUS risk (OR, 0.70 [95% CI, .54-.90]). RRT predictors (all shown as OR [95% CI]) included female sex (2.27 [1.14-4.50]), younger age (0.83 [.74-.92] per year), lower serum sodium (1.15 [1.04-1.27] per mmol/L decrease), higher leukocyte count ≥13.0 × 103/μL (2.35 [1.17-4.72]) and creatinine (7.75 [1.20-50.16] per 1 mg/dL increase) concentrations, and initial intravenous fluid administration ≥4 days following diarrhea onset (2.71 [1.18-6.21]). CONCLUSIONS The complex nature of STEC infection renders predicting its course a challenge. Risk factors we identified highlight the importance of avoiding dehydration and performing close clinical and laboratory monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan S McKee
- Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City
| | - David Schnadower
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio
| | - Phillip I Tarr
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Jianling Xie
- Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary
| | - Yaron Finkelstein
- Divisions of Emergency Medicine, and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario
| | - Neil Desai
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Roni D Lane
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
| | - Kelly R Bergmann
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Children's Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Ron L Kaplan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital
| | - Selena Hariharan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri
| | - Andrea T Cruz
- Sections of Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Daniel M Cohen
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital and Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Andrew Dixon
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stollery Children's Hospital, Women and Children's Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Sriram Ramgopal
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Children's Hospital, Pennsylvania
| | - Annie Rominger
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Elizabeth C Powell
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jennifer Kilgar
- Department of Pediatrics and Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's Hospital, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Darcy Beer
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Martin Bitzan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Christopher M Pruitt
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham
| | - Kenneth Yen
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern, Children's Health, Dallas
| | - Garth D Meckler
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Departments of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver
| | - Amy C Plint
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stuart Bradin
- Departments of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor
| | - Thomas J Abramo
- Departments of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, University of Arkansas School of Medicine, Arkansas Children's Hospital Research Institute, Little Rock
| | - Serge Gouin
- Departments of Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Québec
| | - April J Kam
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, McMaster Children's Hospital, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abigail Schuh
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
| | - Fran Balamuth
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
| | - Tracy E Hunley
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Monroe Carell Jr Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - John T Kanegaye
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla.,Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, California
| | - Nicholas E Jones
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Usha Avva
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall, Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital, New Jersey
| | - Robert Porter
- Discipline of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Daniel M Fein
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Jeffrey P Louie
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Minnesota, Masonic Children's Hospital, Minneapolis
| | - Stephen B Freedman
- Sections of Pediatric Emergency Medicine and Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Pang JX, Singh J, Freedman SB, Xie J, Hu J. Improving follow-up testing in children with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli through provision of a provider information sheet. Aust J Prim Health 2020; 26:479-483. [PMID: 33296623 DOI: 10.1071/py20136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to improve follow-up laboratory testing for children infected by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) through the provision of an information sheet to healthcare providers in the province of Alberta, Canada. An information sheet recommending the performance of laboratory tests, every 24-48h until 3 days after diarrhoea resolves or the platelet count stabilises or begins to rise, was sent to all physicians who ordered a STEC-positive stool test as of 1 November 2016. The information sheet was only distributed to physicians in one of the province's five healthcare delivery zones (i.e. intervention zone). Medical records for children aged <18 years with laboratory confirmed STEC-positive stool samples between November 2014 and November 2018 were reviewed to determine the performance of recommended laboratory tests. Post-intervention, follow-up testing in all categories increased significantly for cases that occurred in the intervention zone, with odds ratios (OR) ranging from 3.02 (95% CI: 1.35-6.78) to 3.94 (95% CI: 1.70-9.16) when compared with pre-intervention. No increase in any of the laboratory testing categories was detected outside of the intervention zone. The provision of a targeted information sheet to healthcare providers improved the monitoring of STEC-infected children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack X Pang
- Population, Public, and Indigenous Health, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Jaskaran Singh
- Population, Public, and Indigenous Health, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Stephen B Freedman
- Departments of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; and Corresponding author.
| | - Jianling Xie
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Jia Hu
- Population, Public, and Indigenous Health, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
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Evaluation of the FecalSwab for Stool Specimen Storage and Molecular Detection of Enteropathogens on the BD Max System. J Clin Microbiol 2020; 58:JCM.00178-20. [PMID: 32461284 PMCID: PMC7448620 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00178-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The FecalSwab system (Copan Italia, Brescia, Italy) is a convenient alternative to bulk stool for the diagnosis of enteric pathogens. Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for transport and culture of enteric bacterial pathogens, the FecalSwab has not been well assessed for its suitability with molecular platforms. In this study, we evaluated the FecalSwab as a specimen type for the BD Max system using the viral and bacterial enteric panels (BD Diagnostics, Baltimore, MD, USA). A total of 186 unpreserved stool specimens were collected and used to prepare matched bulk stool and FecalSwab samples. Performance was equivalent (P > 0.48) to bulk stool for all targets when 50 μl of FecalSwab specimen was loaded onto the BD Max assays. As stool specimens are often collected off-site from the clinical microbiology laboratory and require transport, we assessed the stability of stool specimens stored for up to 14 days at 4°C, 22°C, or 35°C to account for varying transportation conditions. Molecular detection for the majority of viral targets (excluding astrovirus) was unaffected (change in cycle threshold [ΔCT ] ≤ 1) by sample storage temperature over the 2-week period; however, detection of enteric bacteria was variable if specimens were not refrigerated (22°C or 35°C). By demonstrating equivalent performance to matched bulk stool and maintaining molecular detection sensitivity when stored at 4°C, we suggest that the FecalSwab is a suitable specimen type for enteropathogen diagnostics on the BD Max system.
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Loconsole D, Giordano M, Laforgia N, Torres D, Santangelo L, Carbone V, Parisi A, Quarto M, Scavia G, Chironna M. Case-management protocol for bloody diarrhea as a model to reduce the clinical impact of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infections. Experience from Southern Italy. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 39:539-547. [PMID: 31776873 PMCID: PMC7040055 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-019-03755-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
To describe an operating protocol for bloody diarrhea (BD) in a pediatric population as a rapid response to a public health threat represented by an excess of pediatric HUS cases in the Apulia region (Southern Italy) starting from 2013. The protocol was set up with the goal of correct clinical management of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections, reductions in subsequent cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and improved short- and long-term disease outcomes. The protocol consisted of rapid hospitalization of children with bloody diarrhea (BD), hematochemical laboratory tests every 12–24 hours, and prompt laboratory diagnosis of STEC. No antibiotics were recommended until diagnosis. Children positive for STEC infections underwent early vigorous volume expansion. In June–December 2018, 438 children with BD were hospitalized, of which 53 (12.1%) had a STEC infection. The most common serogroups were O26 (36.1%), O111 (23.0%), and O157 (14.8%). Thirty-one samples carried the stx2 gene. Four cases evolved into HUS (7.5%), all with favorable outcome despite neurological involvement in two cases. Prompt and accurate laboratory diagnosis of STEC infections is of the utmost importance in patients with BD for correct clinical management. The strict adherence to the protocol could reduce the progression rate of STEC infections to HUS and prevents complications. Enhanced BD surveillance may help reduce cases of pediatric HUS in Southern Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Loconsole
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Hygiene Unit, University of Bari Aldo Moro, P.zza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Mario Giordano
- Pediatric Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Pediatric Hospital "Giovanni XXIII", Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Laforgia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Diletta Torres
- Pediatric Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Pediatric Hospital "Giovanni XXIII", Bari, Italy
| | - Luisa Santangelo
- Pediatric Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Pediatric Hospital "Giovanni XXIII", Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenza Carbone
- Pediatric Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Pediatric Hospital "Giovanni XXIII", Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Parisi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, Foggia, Italy
| | - Michele Quarto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Hygiene Unit, University of Bari Aldo Moro, P.zza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Gaia Scavia
- Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health Department, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Chironna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Hygiene Unit, University of Bari Aldo Moro, P.zza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
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Evaluation of Anatomically Designed Flocked Rectal Swabs for Use with the BioFire FilmArray Gastrointestinal Panel for Detection of Enteric Pathogens in Children Admitted to Hospital with Severe Gastroenteritis. J Clin Microbiol 2019; 57:JCM.00962-19. [PMID: 31511336 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00962-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnosing diarrheal disease is difficult in part due to challenges in obtaining and transporting a bulk stool specimen, particularly in resource-limited settings. We compared the performance of flocked rectal swabs to that of traditional bulk stool samples for enteric pathogen detection using the BioFire FilmArray gastrointestinal panel in children admitted to four hospitals in Botswana with community onset severe gastroenteritis. Of the 117-matched flocked rectal swab/stool pairs, we found no significant difference in pathogen detection rates between the flocked rectal swab samples and traditional bulk stool sampling methods for any bacterial (168 versus 167, respectively), viral (94 versus 92, respectively), or protozoan (18 versus 18, respectively) targets. The combination of flocked rectal swab samples with FilmArray testing allows for the rapid diagnosis of infectious gastroenteritis, facilitating a test-and-treat approach for infections that are life-threatening in many resource-limited settings. The culture recovery rates for bacterial pathogens utilizing this approach need to be assessed.
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Lisboa LF, Szelewicki J, Lin A, Latonas S, Li V, Zhi S, Parsons BD, Berenger B, Fathima S, Chui L. Epidemiology of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli O157 in the Province of Alberta, Canada, 2009-2016. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:toxins11100613. [PMID: 31652648 PMCID: PMC6832344 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11100613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections are the product of the interaction between bacteria, phages, animals, humans, and the environment. In the late 1980s, Alberta had one of the highest incidences of STEC infections in North America. Herein, we revisit and contextualize the epidemiology of STEC O157 human infections in Alberta for the period 2009–2016. STEC O157 infections were concentrated in large urban centers, but also in rural areas with high cattle density. Hospitalization was often required when the Shiga toxin genotype stx2a stx2c was involved, however, only those aged 60 years or older and infection during spring months (April to June) independently predicted that need. Since the late 1980s, the rate of STEC O157-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in Alberta has remained unchanged at 5.1%, despite a marked drop in the overall incidence of the infection. While Shiga toxin genotypes stx1a stx2c and stx2a stx2c seemed associated with HUS, only those aged under 10 years and infection during spring months were independently predictive of that complication. The complexity of the current epidemiology of STEC O157 in Alberta highlights the need for a One Health approach for further progress to be made in mitigating STEC morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz F Lisboa
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada.
| | - Jonas Szelewicki
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada.
| | - Alex Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada.
| | - Sarah Latonas
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada.
| | - Vincent Li
- Provincial Laboratory for Public Health, Alberta Public Laboratories, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada.
| | - Shuai Zhi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada.
| | - Brendon D Parsons
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada.
| | - Byron Berenger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada.
| | - Sumana Fathima
- The Ministry of Health, Government of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T5J 1S6, Canada.
| | - Linda Chui
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada.
- Provincial Laboratory for Public Health, Alberta Public Laboratories, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada.
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A prospective comparative study of children with gastroenteritis: emergency department compared with symptomatic care at home. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 38:2371-2379. [PMID: 31502119 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-019-03688-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the epidemiology and severity of gastroenteritis among children treated at home. We sought to compare illness severity and etiology between children brought for emergency department (ED) care to those managed at home (i.e., community). Prospective cohort study of children enrolled between December 2014 and December 2016 in two pediatric EDs in Alberta, Canada along with children treated at home after telephone triage (i.e., community). Primary outcomes were maximal frequency of vomiting and diarrhea in the 24-h pre-enrollment period; secondary outcomes included etiologic pathogens, dehydration severity, future healthcare visits, and treatments provided. A total of 1613 patients (1317 ED, 296 community) were enrolled. Median maximal frequency of vomiting was higher in the ED cohort (5 (3, 10) vs. 5 (2, 8); P < 0.001). Proportion of children with diarrhea and its 24-h median frequency were lower in the ED cohort (61.3 vs. 82.8% and 2 (0, 6) vs. 4 (1, 7); P < 0.001, respectively). In regression analysis, the ED cohort had a higher maximum number of vomiting episodes pre-enrollment (incident rate ratio (IRR) 1.25; 95% CI 1.12, 1.40) while the community cohort had higher maximal 24-h period diarrheal episodes (IRR 1.20; 95% CI 1.01, 1.43). Norovirus was identified more frequently in the community cohort (36.8% vs. 23.6%; P < 0.001). Children treated in the ED have a greater number of vomiting episodes; those treated at home have more diarrheal episodes. Norovirus is more common among children treated symptomatically at home and thus may represent a greater burden of disease than previously thought.
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Kakoullis L, Papachristodoulou E, Chra P, Panos G. Shiga toxin-induced haemolytic uraemic syndrome and the role of antibiotics: a global overview. J Infect 2019; 79:75-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2019.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Pigment Visibility on Rectal Swabs Used To Detect Enteropathogens: a Prospective Cohort Study. J Clin Microbiol 2019; 57:JCM.00213-19. [PMID: 30944189 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00213-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Data are lacking regarding the impact of visible pigment on rectal swab diagnostic accuracy. We describe the test characteristics of rectal swabs with and without pigment in children with gastroenteritis. Between December 2014 and September 2017, children (age, <18 years) with ≥3 episodes of vomiting and/or diarrhea in a 24-h period and symptoms for <7 days were enrolled through two pediatric emergency departments and from a province-wide nursing telephone advice line in Alberta, Canada. Specimens were analyzed by employing nucleic acid amplification panels. The primary outcomes were the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for the rectal swabs, with stool specimen results being used as the reference standard. An enteropathogen was detected in 76.0% (1,399/1,841) of the paired specimens. A total of 54.4% (1,001/1841) of the swabs had visible pigment. The respective enteropathogen detection characteristics of swabs with and without visible pigment were as follows: 92.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 90.0%, 94.0%) versus 83.7% (95% CI, 80.5%, 86.4%) for sensitivity, 94.3% (95% CI, 90.5%, 96.6%) versus 91.2% (95% CI, 86.3%, 94.5%) for specificity, 97.9% (95% CI, 96.4%, 98.8%) versus 96.5% (95% CI, 94.5%, 97.8%) for PPV, and 80.9% (95% CI, 76.0%, 85.1%) versus 65.8% (95% CI, 60.0%, 71.1%) for NPV. Processing of swabs without visible pigment would increase the rate of identification of positive swabs from 50.0% (682/1,365) to 88.3% (1,205/1,365). There is a modest decrease in the reliability of a negative test on swabs without evidence of pigment, but the overall yield is significantly greater when they are not excluded from testing. Hence, rectal swabs without visible feces should not be routinely rejected from testing.
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Management of STEC Gastroenteritis: Is There a Role for Probiotics? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16091649. [PMID: 31083597 PMCID: PMC6539596 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16091649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia Coli (STEC) infections routinely run as a common gastroenteritis, but in many cases they may evolve towards hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS is a rare disease characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure. Gut microorganisms have a fundamental impact on human physiology, because they modulate normal intestinal functions and play a pivotal role in influencing the local and systemic immune responses. Despite surveillance established in many countries and major progresses in the understanding of STEC-HUS mechanisms, no specific treatment is currently available. Targeting the gut microbiota could represent a new potential therapeutic strategy in STEC infection. In this paper, we reviewed the current knowledge about microbiota characteristics of patients with STEC infections, as well as in vitro and in vivo evidence of probiotic supplementation in managing STEC gastroenteritis and in HUS onset prevention.
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Tarr GAM, Oltean HN, Phipps AI, Rabinowitz P, Tarr PI. Case definitions of hemolytic uremic syndrome following Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection vary in validity. Int J Med Microbiol 2018; 308:1121-1127. [PMID: 30466555 PMCID: PMC6260930 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple case definitions for post-diarrheal hemolytic uremic syndrome (D+ HUS) associated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are used across public health, research, and clinical practice. METHODS To identify a single definition of D+ HUS for standardized use, we evaluated the comparability and validity of four common, heterogeneous definitions: the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) definition, hematology-focused and age-focused definitions from the literature, and hospital diagnosis. We reviewed medical records from 471 hospitalized E. coli O157:H7 cases reported in Washington State, 2005-2014. We assessed 1) reliability across definitions, 2) comparability of temporal trends, and 3) sensitivity and specificity using an omnibus reference standard, developed using a combination of definition agreement and clinical outcomes. With the standard, we classified cases as definite, borderline, or unlikely/not post-diarrheal D+ HUS. RESULTS Reliability was highest between the age-focused definition and hospital diagnosis (κ = 0.84), and temporal trends were largely comparable across definitions. For definite D+ HUS cases, the age-focused definition had the highest overall validity [100% sensitivity, 95% confidence interval (CI): 94%, 100%; 96% specificity, 95% CI: 94%, 98%]. The CSTE definition had low specificity (75%, 95% CI: 70%, 79%). CONCLUSIONS In this review, the CSTE definition overestimated the burden of D+ HUS, and the age-focused definition provided the best overall reliability and validity to define post-diarrheal D+ HUS. Disease monitoring and research activities should consider using the age-focused D+ HUS definition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian A M Tarr
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Box 357236, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Hanna N Oltean
- Washington State Department of Health, 1610 NE 150th15 St., Shoreline, WA, 98155, USA.
| | - Amanda I Phipps
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Box 357236, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Peter Rabinowitz
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences and Center for One Health Research, University of Washington, Box 357234, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Phillip I Tarr
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, One Children's Place, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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Anderson NW, Tarr PI. Multiplex Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing to Diagnose Gut Infections: Challenges, Opportunities, and Result Interpretation. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2018; 47:793-812. [PMID: 30337033 DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Multiplex nucleic acid testing is increasingly used to diagnose childhood gastroenteritis. The advantages of this disruptive technology include rapidity, sensitivity, and ability to detect pathogenic viruses, bacteria, and parasites simultaneously. The drawbacks are its capacity to identify organisms of uncertain clinical significance in North American children, cost, and inability to provide viable bacteria for strain typing by public health authorities. However, this technology will certainly improve our knowledge of the causes of human gut infections. As data emerge, physicians should interpret results cautiously, and, most important, consider the context of the presentation before making clinical decisions based on the readouts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil W Anderson
- Division of Laboratory and Genomic Medicine, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, CB 8118, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Phillip I Tarr
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, CB 8208, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Tarr GAM, Oltean HN, Phipps AI, Rabinowitz P, Tarr PI. Strength of the association between antibiotic use and hemolytic uremic syndrome following Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection varies with case definition. Int J Med Microbiol 2018; 308:921-926. [PMID: 30257808 PMCID: PMC6287940 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The veracity of the association between antibiotic use and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) caused by Escherichia coli O157:H7 has been a topic of debate. We postulated that criteria used to define HUS affect this association. METHODS We reviewed 471 hospitalized E. coli O157:H7 cases reported in Washington State, 2005-2014, to determine HUS status by various case definitions and antibiotic treatment. We used age-adjusted logistic regression models to estimate the effect of treatment on HUS status according to four common, but heterogeneous, definitions: the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) definition, hematology-focused and age-focused definitions from the literature, and hospital diagnosis. RESULTS Inter-annual variation in antibiotic use was high, but no meaningful change in antibiotic use was observed over this ten-year period. Thirteen percent of cases <18 years-old received antibiotics, compared to 54% of cases ≥18 years-old. The CSTE, hematology-focused, age-focused, and hospital diagnosis definitions identified 149, 57, 74, and 89 cases of HUS, respectively. The association between antibiotic treatment and HUS varied by definition: CSTE odds ratio (OR) 1.57 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.98, 2.55]; hematology-focused OR 1.73 (95% CI 0.83, 3.54); age-focused OR 2.29 (95% CI 1.20, 4.39); and hospital diagnosis OR 1.94 (95% CI 1.01, 3.72). CONCLUSIONS Each definition yielded an estimate of the association in the direction of increased risk of HUS with antibiotics. While the range of OR point estimates was relatively small, confidence intervals for two HUS definitions crossed the null and two did not, potentially altering the inference an investigator makes. Discrepant reports of the association between antibiotic use and HUS in the literature might be due in part to the choice of HUS definition, and a consistent definition of HUS should be adopted for research and public health purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian A M Tarr
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Box 357236, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA.
| | - Hanna N Oltean
- Washington State Department of Health, 1610 NE 150th St., Shoreline, Washington, 98155, USA.
| | - Amanda I Phipps
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Box 357236, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA.
| | - Peter Rabinowitz
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences and Center for One Health Research, University of Washington, Box 357234, Seattle, Washington, 98195, USA.
| | - Phillip I Tarr
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, One Children's Place, St. Louis, Missouri, 63110, USA.
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McKee RS, Tarr PI, Dietzen DJ, Chawla R, Schnadower D. Clinical and Laboratory Predictors of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Infection in Children With Bloody Diarrhea. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2018; 7:e116-e122. [PMID: 29617871 PMCID: PMC6097574 DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piy025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Children with acute bloody diarrhea are at risk of being infected with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and of progression to hemolytic uremic syndrome. Our objective was to identify clinical and laboratory factors associated with STEC infection in children who present with acute bloody diarrhea. METHODS We performed a prospective cohort study of consecutive children younger than 18 years who presented with acute (<2-week duration) bloody diarrhea between August 1, 2013, and August 1, 2014. We excluded patients with a chronic gastrointestinal illness and/or an obvious noninfectious source of bloody stool. We obtained a standardized history and study laboratory tests, performed physical examinations, and recorded patient outcomes. RESULTS Of the 135 eligible patients, 108 were enrolled; 27 declined consent. The median patient age was 3 years, and 56% were male. Ten (9%) patients tested positive for STEC (E coli O157:H7, n = 8; E coli O111, n = 1; E coli O103, n = 1), and 62 had negative stool culture results. Children infected with STEC were older (8.5 vs 3 years, respectively) (P < .001) and more likely to have abdominal tenderness (83% vs 17%, respectively) than those in the other groups. D-Dimer concentrations had a 70% sensitivity and 55% specificity for differentiating children with STEC from those with another cause of bloody diarrhea and 75% sensitivity and 70% specificity in differentiating children with a bacterial etiology from those with negative stool culture results. CONCLUSION Clinical assessment and laboratory data cannot reliably exclude the possibility that children with bloody diarrhea have an STEC infection and are at consequent risk of developing hemolytic uremic syndrome. Abnormal D-dimer concentrations (>0.5 μg/mL) were insufficiently sensitive and specific for distinguishing patients with STEC from those with another bacterial cause of bloody diarrhea. However, this marker might be useful in identifying children whose bloody diarrhea is caused by a bacterial enteric pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan S McKee
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Phillip I Tarr
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | | | - Rachit Chawla
- Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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Wine E. Rectal swabs: a diagnostic alternative in paediatric gastroenteritis? Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 2:623-624. [DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(17)30214-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Freedman SB, Xie J, Nettel-Aguirre A, Lee B, Chui L, Pang XL, Zhuo R, Parsons B, Dickinson JA, Vanderkooi OG, Ali S, Osterreicher L, Lowerison K, Tarr PI. Enteropathogen detection in children with diarrhoea, or vomiting, or both, comparing rectal flocked swabs with stool specimens: an outpatient cohort study. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 2:662-669. [PMID: 28712662 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(17)30160-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enteropathogen detection traditionally relies on diarrhoeal stool samples, but these are inconvenient to collect if they are not immediately available, leading to suboptimum return rates of samples and delayed or missed diagnostic opportunities. We sought to compare the enteropathogen yields of rectal swabs and stool specimens in children with diarrhoea or vomiting, or both. METHODS The Alberta Provincial Pediatric EnTeric Infection TEam (APPETITE) did a study in three outpatient cohorts in Calgary and Edmonton (AB, Canada)-children enrolled in the Pediatric Emergency Research Canada emergency departments, children receiving routine vaccinations at a Calgary health clinic, and symptomatic children who met criteria for treatment at home. Eligible participants were children younger than 18 years, with at least three episodes of vomiting or diarrhoea in the preceding 24 h and fewer than 7 days of symptoms. After excluding those enrolled within the previous fortnight, unable to follow-up, or having psychiatric illness, neutropenia, or requiring emergent care, we attempted to collect rectal swabs and stool from all participants. Specimens were tested with the multianalyte assay Luminex xTAG Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel, an in-house five-virus panel and bacterial culture. Primary outcomes were comparative yield (calculated as the proportion of submitted paired specimens only in which at least one pathogen was identified) and overall yield (which calculated the proportion of study participants in whom at least one pathogen was identified in all specimens, where unsubmitted specimens were analysed as negative). We used McNemar's test to do pathogen-specific analyses, and generalised estimating equations (GEE) for the global (ie, any) pathogen analyses, with adjustments made for the presence of diarrhoea, location, and their interactions with specimen type. FINDINGS Between Dec 12, 2014, and Aug 31, 2016, we studied 1519 eligible participants, 1147 (76%) of whom provided stool specimens and 1514 (>99%) provided swab specimens. 871 (76%) of 1147 stool specimens and 1024 (68%) of 1514 swabs were positive for any pathogen (p<0·0001). Comparative yield adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for stool specimens relative to swabs were 1·24 (95% CI 1·11-1·38) in children with diarrhoea at presentation and 1·76 (1·47-2·11) in children without diarrhoea. GEE analysis identified an interaction between the presence of diarrhoea and specimen type (p=0·0011) and collection location (p=0·0078). In an overall yield analysis, pathogen yield was 57% (871 of 1519 children) for stool specimens and 67% (1024 of 1519 children) for rectal swabs, with an unadjusted OR of 0·65 (95% CI 0·59-0·72) for stool relative to swab. INTERPRETATION Rectal swabs should be done when enteropathogen identification and rapid detection are needed, appropriate molecular diagnostic technology is available, and a stool specimen is not immediately available. In view of their high yield, we urge that the recommendation against the use of rectal swabs as diagnostic specimens be reconsidered. FUNDING Alberta Innovates-Health Solutions Team Collaborative Research Innovation Opportunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen B Freedman
- Sections of Emergency Medicine and Gastroenterology, Department of Paediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - Jianling Xie
- Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Alberto Nettel-Aguirre
- Departments of Paediatrics and of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, Faculty of Kinesiology, Alberta Children's Hospital, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, O'Brien Population Health Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Bonita Lee
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Stollery Children's Hospital, Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Linda Chui
- Provincial Laboratory for Public Health, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Xiao-Li Pang
- Provincial Laboratory for Public Health, Edmonton, AB, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Ran Zhuo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Brendon Parsons
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - James A Dickinson
- Health Sciences Centre, Department of Family Medicine and Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Otto G Vanderkooi
- Departments of Paediatrics, Microbiology, Immunology, and Infectious Diseases, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine and Community Health Sciences and the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Samina Ali
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Stollery Children's Hospital, Women and Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lara Osterreicher
- Provincial Clinical Programs, Health Link Alberta, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Karen Lowerison
- Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Phillip I Tarr
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Paediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
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