Application of multiplex PCR technology in rapid detection and genotype of Neisseria meningitidis

ObjectiveTo study rapid detection and genotype of Neisseria meningitidis(Nm) using multiplex PCR detection technology.MethodsSeventy strains of Nm were detected with multiplex PCR and the amplified Nm specific DNA fragments in cerebrospinal fluid samples from 23 suspected meningitis cases were also detected with electrophoresis; the results of the detections were compared with conventional staining on smears and bacterium separation technology.ResultsThe genotyping results of 68 Nm strains were consistent with those of serotyping and 2 Nm strains undetected with serotyping were identified by multiplex PCR as group C.The positive detection rate was 30.43% by using multiplex PCR and higher than that by conventional staining on smears and bacterium separation technology(17.39%) for the detections of the 23 suspected meningitidis cases.ConclusionThe sensitivity and specificity of multiplex PCR were higher than those of serum agglutination reaction for the identification and group-typing of Nm.