Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) pose a major health challenge in developing regions like India due to high morbidity and mortality. Traditional diagnostic methods are often slow, insensitive, and limited in scope, contributing to treatment delays and rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study, conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Western Rajasthan, evaluated the BioFire® FilmArray® Pneumonia Panel, a rapid multiplex PCR tool that detects a wide range of pathogens and AMR genes in under an hour. Over a four-month period (Feb–May 2025), 30 respiratory samples—including sputum, endotracheal aspirates, and bronchoalveolar lavage—were tested. Pathogens were detected in 80% of cases. Common bacteria included Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Acinetobacter baumannii complex; viruses such as Influenza B and Coronavirus were also found. Resistance genes like bla<sub>NDM</sub>, bla<sub>CTX-M</sub>, and mecA/C indicated multidrug resistance. The BioFire® Panel offers a rapid, accurate alternative to conventional diagnostics, with significant potential for improving LRTI management in resource-limited settings.
