Associations Between BioFire FilmArray Gastrointestinal Panel Results and Clinical Outcomes in Infectious Gastroenteritis

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Infectious gastroenteritis (IGE) is a major global health concern due to its high morbidity and healthcare burden. The BioFire FilmArray Gastrointestinal Panel (FA-GIP) enables rapid multiplex detection of enteric pathogens, offering faster results than conventional stool culture. This study aimed to evaluate the associations between FA-GIP result status and clinical outcomes in patients with suspected IGE. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted at Chung-Ang University Hospital (Seoul, Republic of Korea) from July 2023 to April 2024. Patients were stratified into FA-GIP-positive and FA-GIP-negative groups, and clinical parameters were compared. The diagnostic performance of FA-GIP was also assessed relative to stool culture. Results: No significant differences were observed in the demographic variables. However, the FA-GIP-positive group demonstrated significantly shorter hospital stays and time to discharge, and fewer antibiotic days, compared with the FA-GIP-negative group. Moreover, differences were observed in antibiotic modification or discontinuation rates. FA-GIP markedly shortened diagnostic turnaround time compared with culture (median 1.4 h vs. 72.3 h). Conclusions: These findings suggest that FA-GIP results are associated with clinically meaningful differences in patient management and antibiotic use. However, given the retrospective design, the relationship between FA-GIP testing and clinical decision-making should be interpreted as an association rather causative. Therefore, prospective studies are warranted to confirm the direct impact of FA-GIP-guided interventions on antibiotic stewardship and patient outcomes.