Comparison of Four Methods for Streptococcus pneumoniae Capsular Typing

Ercibengoa, María; Perez-Gavilan, Ana; Alonso, Marta; Azcue, Nekane; Cilla, Gustavo; Marimón, José María

doi:10.7754/clin.lab.2020.201029

Cited by 1 publication

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“…On the other hand, it was not surprising that many SSLs and NLs that attempted ST/SG were able to type an Hib culture, as they probably only keep the appropriate antisera but were unable to type any other H. influenzae serotypes. For S. pneumoniae , most failed to provide a serotype, as many antisera or PCR targets are needed, and this may not be available in many SSLs/NLs because of cost implications [ 28 ]. The capacity shown for the SSLs and NLs in serotyping is acceptable for Hib surveillance, but is suboptimal for comprehensive surveillance of H. influenzae , calling for further and continuous training.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of Laboratories Supporting Invasive Bacterial Vaccine-Preventable Disease (IB-VPD) Surveillance in the World Health Organization African Region, through the Performance of Coordinated External Quality Assessment

et al. 2023

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(1) Background: Laboratories supporting the invasive bacteria preventable disease (IB-VPD) network are expected to demonstrate the capacity to identify the main etiological agents of pediatric bacterial meningitis (PBM) (Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae) on Gram stains and in phenotypic identification. Individual reports of sentinel site (SSL), national (NL) and regional reference (RRL) laboratories participating in the World Health Organization (WHO)-coordinated external quality assessment, distributed by the United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment (EQA) Services (UK NEQAS) for Microbiology between 2014 and 2019 were analyzed. (2) Methods: The panels consisted of (1) unstained bacterial smears for Gram staining, (2) viable isolates for identification and serotyping/serogrouping (ST/SG) and (3) simulated cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) samples for species detection and ST/SG using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). SSLs and NLs tested for Gram staining and species identification (partial panel). RRLs, plus any SSLs and NLs (optionally) also analyzed the simulated CSF samples (full panel). The passing score was ≥75% for NLs and SSLs, and ≥90% for RRLs and NLs/SSLs testing the full panel. (3) Results: Overall, 63% (5/8) of the SSLs and NLs were able to correctly identify the targeted pathogens, in 2019; but there were challenges to identify Haemophilus influenzae either on Gram stains (35% of the labs failed 2014), or in culture. Individual performance showed inconsistent capacity, with only 39% (13/33) of the SSLs/NLs passing the EQA exercise throughout all surveys in which they participated. RRLs performed well over the study period, but one of the two failed to reach the minimal passing score in 2016 and 2018; while the SSLs/NLs that optionally tested the full panel scored between 75% and 90% (intermediate pass category). (4) Conclusions: We identified a need for implementing a robust quality management system for timely identification of the gaps and then implementing corrective and preventive actions, in addition to continuous refresher training in the SSLs and NLs supporting the IB-VPD surveillance in the World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO).

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%