A groundbreaking diagnostic tool, the MetaPanel Metagenomic testing solution, has been developed by Microba, a prominent biotechnology firm in Australia, to aid in the diagnosis of elusive gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. This innovative test aims to address the substantial issue where up to 47% of patients visiting general practitioners with GI complaints remain undiagnosed.
Launched more than a year ago in clinical settings across Australia, the MetaPanel has successfully assisted approximately 20% of patients with chronic GI symptoms in obtaining definitive diagnoses. According to Associate Professor Lutz Krause, Microba’s chief scientific officer, this test is remarkably comprehensive, covering 175 targets, including 115 DNA pathogens and 60 families of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes that are often undetectable by conventional tests.
To utilise the MetaPanel, clinicians order the test for their patients, who then provide a faecal sample. The resulting analysis identifies potential pathogens and generates a full report for both the clinician and patient, facilitating accurate diagnoses and bespoke treatment plans. Krause noted that many patients endure extensive examinations, including colonoscopies and CT scans, as well as various medications without achieving resolution. This test can identify pathogens in the estimated 20% of those patients who have been overlooked by standard diagnostic approaches.
The MetaPanel is particularly valuable for individuals battling unresolved GI symptoms, specifically those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), an ailment that has been steadily increasing in prevalence in Australia and worldwide. Dr David Wood, Microba’s chief technology officer, expressed enthusiasm for the tool’s potential impact on Australian patients, offering a new pathway for those suffering from chronic GI issues and providing answers for those who may have been seeking resolution for an extended period.
Initial evaluations of the first 278 samples taken for the MetaPanel reveal its effectiveness in diagnosing hard-to-detect GI pathogens and recognising clinically significant AMR genes. For many patients dealing with persistent GI conditions, this innovative diagnostic tool promises to deliver new insights that could lead to effective treatment solutions, marking a significant advancement in the fight against complex gastrointestinal disorders.