Optimized use of the FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis panel for early discontinuation of antibiotic therapy

Microbiology Spectrum 2026 Open access

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Authors: Nathan Nicolau-Guillaumet, Marin Moutel, Chloé Plouzeau-Jayle, Gauthier Péan de Ponfilly, Virginie Courbin, Anne-Gaëlle Ranc, Hélène Revillet, Bruno Mourvillier, Maxime Hentzien, Anaëlle Muggeo, Thomas Guillard, On behalf of the GMC Study Group
DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00566-26
Cited by: 1
References: 29

Abstract

Suspected meningitis/encephalitis cases require prompt empirical antimicrobial therapy. Syndromic diagnostics like the FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis (FAME) panel offer rapid results and are increasingly used despite high costs. This study assessed FAME's integration in clinical microbiology laboratories' everyday practice and its impact on early treatment decisions. The FilmArray Meningitis/encephalitis panel Outcome Study (FAMOuS) retrospectively reviewed biological data, treatments before/after FAME, and outcomes from 783 patients across six French hospitals over a 3-year period. FAME results were 80% negative, 7% bacterial, and 13% viral, with no bacterial false negatives. Positive results in samples with

Fields of Study & Subjects

Bacterial Infections and Vaccines Multiple Sclerosis Research Studies Herpesvirus Infections and Treatments

Publication details

Journal / source
Microbiology Spectrum
Publisher
American Society for Microbiology
Volume
14
Issue
6
Pages
e0056626–e0056626
Publication date
6 May 2026
Language
EN