II. Indications
- Replaced by Enteric Pathogens Nucleic Acid Test Panels
- Older indications
- Toxic appearance
- Prolonged Diarrhea >4-7 days
- Blood or pus in stool (or other signs of Inflammatory Diarrhea)
- Immunocompromised patients
- Very young or very old patients
III. Efficacy
- Test Sensitivity: 5% at best for Bacterial cause identification
- Replaced by Enteric Pathogens Nucleic Acid Test Panels
IV. Components: Bacteria typically included in test (SSCE)
- Salmonella
- Shigella
- Campylobacter
-
Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (STEC: Shiga Toxin E coli)
- Shiga Toxin (if bloody stool)
- Avoid antimicrobial agents
V. Disadvantages
- Very expensive
- Low Test Sensitivity (see above)
- Typically does not alter management (most Diarrhea is not treated with antibiotics)