Multiplex PCR rapid testing for meningitis/encephalitis

We read with great interest the Navarro-Carrera et al. article describing a patient receiving ravulizumab, a complement component C5 inhibitor, in whom the BioFire® FilmArray® Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel (BioFire® ME Panel, BioFire Diagnostics, bioMérieux, Marcy l'Etoile, France) successfully identified Neisseria meningitidis in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). 1 Navarro-Carrera P. García-Rodríguez J. Cendejas-Bueno E. Detection of Neisseria meningitidis in a patient receiving ravulizumab by the FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis panel- A case report. J Infect. 2021; 82: e22-e23 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (1) Google Scholar The FilmArray® ME panel is designed to detect the 14 most frequent pathogens causing meningitis and/or encephalitis, including six bacteria (Escherichia coli K1, Haemophilus influenzae, Listeria monocytogenes, Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus agalactiae, and S. pneumoniae), seven viruses (cytomegalovirus, enterovirus, herpes simplex viruses type 1 and 2 [HSV-1 and HSV-2], human herpesvirus type 6 [HHV-6], human parechovirus, and varicella-zoster virus [VZV]), and one fungus (Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii). The FilmArray® ME panel was launched in Taiwan in 2020 and approved for reimbursement by the National Health Insurance Administration of the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 2021.