Serotyping pneumococcal meningitis cases in the African meningitis belt by use of multiplex PCR with cerebrospinal fluid

J Clin Microbiol. 2010 Feb;48(2):612-4. doi: 10.1128/JCM.01402-09. Epub 2009 Dec 9.

Abstract

We reformulated a multiplex PCR algorithm for serotyping of pneumococcal meningitis directly on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Compared to established methods on isolates, CSF-based PCR had at least 80% sensitivity and 100% specificity. In regional meningitis surveillance, CSF-based PCR increased the serotype information yield from 40% of cases (isolate testing) to 90%.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Africa
  • Bacterial Typing Techniques / methods*
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid / microbiology*
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Meningitis, Pneumococcal / microbiology*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Serotyping / methods
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae / classification*
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae / genetics
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae / isolation & purification