Tracing the Negative Results of Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assay for Diagnosis of Bacterial Pediatrics Meningitis

Abstract

The death because of meningitis remains high in some parts of the world. It is important to know the specific cause of meningitis because the treatment differs depending on the cause. This study aimed to trace the false-negative results of multiplex RT-PCR to detect Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria meningitidis serogroup by two different molecular methods. In this study, the CSF of the suspicious pediatric for acute bacterial meningitis among children aged 1 month to 14 years who are admitted to the hospitals in four cities of a certain region of Iran was collected. S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and N. meningitidis in CSF samples were detected by single-tube multiplex RT-PCR and specific RT-PCR with a probe on the same specimens. In this cross-sectional study, 506 CSF samples were collected during one year. The multiplex RT-PCR can detect 3.3% and 2.2% of S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae, respectively. N. meningitidis was not detected. The CSF analysis was abnormal in 53% of 506 patients. On the other hand, 11.5%, 4.8%, and 4.1% of S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and N. meningitidis were identified, respectively, by specific RT-PCR assay, exactly on the same specimens. Various types of PCR can be used for pathogen identification. As we change the type of PCR in our study, we could approximately increase 15% our positive results and also consequently decrease our false-negative responses.

Demographic profiles and risk factors for mortality in acute meningitis: A nationwide population‐based observational study

“…These distinct etiological types are associated with varying demographic and prognostic profiles. Bacterial meningitis, if left untreated, can result in a mortality rate of up to 50%, 8 , 9 making it one of the leading causes of death among infants and young children globally. 10 , 11 The mortality rate and pathogen profiles associated with bacterial meningitis have undergone substantial changes in recent decades, following the introduction of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccines.…”