Evaluation of the novel DiaSorin LIAISON ® Campylobacter assay for the rapid detection of Campylobacter spp.

INTRODUCTION: Campylobacter spp. infection is one of the leading causes of foodborne diarrhoeal illness in humans worldwide. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the DiaSorin LIAISON® Campylobacter assay for human campylobacteriosis diagnosis.

METHODOLOGY: A total of 645 stool samples from 640 patients suspected of having gastrointestinal infection were included. A stool culture was simultaneously performed with the DiaSorin LIAISON® Campylobacter assay to detect the presence of Campylobacter spp.

RESULTS: Taking the conventional culture to be the perfect gold standard, sensitivity and specificity rates of the DiaSorin LIAISON® Campylobacter assay were 100% and 97.7%, respectively; and 99.1% and 98.6%, respectively, when taking the culture to be the imperfect gold standard (Bayesian Model).

CONCLUSION: This new assay might be a useful tool especially for the screening of negative results.