Test characteristics of perirectal and rectal swab compared to stool sample for detection of fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli in the gastrointestinal tract

Among 63 patients enrolled in a prospective cohort study of gut colonization with fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli, the sensitivity of perirectal swab compared to stool sample was 90% (95% confidence interval [CI], 70 to 99%) and the specificity was 100% (95% CI, 91 to 100%). For rectal swab, the sensitivity was 90% (95% CI, 68 to 99%) and the specificity was 100% (95% CI, 91 to 100%).