Diagnostic accuracy of multiplex respiratory pathogen panels for influenza or respiratory syncytial virus infections: systematic review and meta-analysis

BMC Infect Dis. 2022 Oct 13;22(1):785. doi: 10.1186/s12879-022-07766-9.

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza viruses are important global causes of morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the Luminex NxTAG respiratory pathogen panels (RPPs)™ (index) against other RPPs (comparator) for detection of RSV and influenza viruses. Studies comparing human clinical respiratory samples tested with the index and at least one comparator test were included. A random-effect latent class meta-analysis was performed to assess the specificity and sensitivity of the index test for RSV and influenza. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool and certainty of evidence using GRADE. Ten studies were included. For RSV, predicted sensitivity was 99% (95% credible interval [CrI] 96-100%) and specificity 100% (95% CrI 98-100%). For influenza A and B, predicted sensitivity was 97% (95% CrI 89-100) and 98% (95% CrI 88-100) respectively; specificity 100% (95% CrI 99-100) and 100% (95% CrI 99-100), respectively. Evidence was low certainty. Although index sensitivity and specificity were excellent, comparators' performance varied. Further research with clear patient recruitment strategies could ascertain performance across different populations.Protocol Registration: Prospero CRD42021272062.

Keywords: Diagnosis; Influenza virus; Molecular diagnostics; Respiratory infection; Respiratory syncytial virus.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Influenza A virus*
  • Influenza B virus
  • Influenza, Human* / diagnosis
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections* / diagnosis
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity