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01-01-2022 | Diarrhea | Mentored Review

Is the Medium Still the Message? Culture-Independent Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Infections

Authors: Neil Sood, Gary Carbell, Holly S. Greenwald, Frank K. Friedenberg

Published in: Digestive Diseases and Sciences | Issue 1/2022

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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Title: Is the Medium Still the Message? Culture-Independent Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Infections
Authors: Neil Sood
Gary Carbell
Holly S. Greenwald
Frank K. Friedenberg
Publication date: 01-01-2022
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Diarrhea
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Diarrhea
Published in: Digestive Diseases and Sciences / Issue 1/2022
Print ISSN: 0163-2116
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2568
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10620-021-07330-6

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