Introduction: Diarrhea after renal transplantation is a very common complaint. It differs in etiology, ranging from infections to drug side effect and consequences, which range from tubular injury  to graft rejection.The most common microorganisms include enteric bacteria (Campylobacter spp., enterovirulent Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Clostridium difficile), parasites (Giardia lamblia),and viruses (Norovirus and Rotavirus).
Aims & objectives:We aimed to evaluate the etiological spectrum of diarrhea in renal transplant patients using FilmArray GI Panel test and to study the impact of diarrhea on graft function.
Materials & Methods :This was a single centre prospective study conducted at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India wherein renal allograft recipients who were admitted from April 2022 to Dec 2023 with diarrhea and in whom stool samples were tested using FilmArray GI panel test were included.
Results:Seventy five patients were included in the analysis.The causative organism was identified in 92% patients. Norovirus was the most common isolate followed by giardia lamblia. Most common bacterial cause was Enteroaggregative E.Coli. CMV  quantitative  PCR was positive in eleven patients.Acute graft dysfunction was present in 60%  patients at the time of admission.
Conclusion:More than half of the patients have associated graft dysfunction during episodes of diarrhea. Early identification of causative organism using FilmArray GI panel test can help in directed treatment, judicious use of antimicrobial therapy, avoiding immunosuppressant modifications and probably better graft outcomes.