Clinical benefits of FilmArray meningitis-encephalitis PCR assay in partially-treated bacterial meningitis in Israel

Background: Management of partially-treated, community-acquired bacterial meningitis (PCBM) is commonly compromised by lack of microbiological diagnosis. We aimed to analyze the impact of FilmArray Meningitis-Encephalitis (FA-ME) PCR on the management of PCBM. Methods: Comparison of treatment variables of PCBM cases between two periods, before (6.5 years, control group) and after (2 years, study group) the application of FA-ME PCR assay. Results: The total duration of antimicrobial treatment in the study group (n = 8) was significantly shorter than the control group (n = 23) (9.5 ± 3.7 days vs. 15.2 ± 5 days, p = 0.007). The percentage of narrow-spectrum regimens was significantly higher in the study group (78 ± 11% vs. 40 ± 9%, p = 0.03). There was a significant difference in implementation of antimicrobial chemoprophylaxis for close contacts (4/8 (50%) vs. 1/23 (4%), p = 0.01). Conclusions: The use of FA-ME PCR provides significant benefits in the management of PCBM by shortening duration of antibiotic treatment, increasing the use of narrow-spectrum regimens, and allowing proper administration of antimicrobial chemoprophylaxis. Trial registration: The study was approved and retrospectively registered by the Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (0378-17-TLV, 10/17/2017) and Rabin Medical Center (0270-18-RMC, 11/11/2018) Ethics committees and conforms to recognized standards.