Simultaneous single-tube PCR-based assay for the direct identification of the five most common meningococcal serogroups from clinical samples

FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. 2008 Jul;53(2):178-82. doi: 10.1111/j.1574-695X.2008.00406.x.

Abstract

This study presents a stepdown multiplex PCR assay for the simultaneous detection of the five most common Neisseria meningitidis serogroups (A, B, C, W-135 and Y) in 530 clinical samples obtained from 428 patients (271 blood and 259 cerebrospinal fluid). The sensitivity and the specificity was calculated to 100% [positive predictive value 100% (95%, CI 99.0-100%) and negative predictive value 100% (95% CI 99.0-100%)]. The overall effectiveness permits the rapid, accurate and inexpensive detection of the five most prevalent meningococcal serogroups in clinical samples. It is potentially a valuable tool for diagnosis and epidemiological monitoring of disease due to N. meningitidis.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Meningococcal Infections / diagnosis*
  • Neisseria meningitidis / classification*
  • Neisseria meningitidis / genetics
  • Neisseria meningitidis / isolation & purification*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Sensitivity and Specificity