Interlaboratory comparison of PCR-based identification and genogrouping of Neisseria meningitidis

J Clin Microbiol. 2005 Jan;43(1):144-9. doi: 10.1128/JCM.43.1.144-149.2005.

Abstract

Twenty clinical samples (18 cerebrospinal fluid samples and 2 articular fluid samples) were sent to 11 meningococcus reference centers located in 11 different countries. Ten of these laboratories are participating in the EU-MenNet program (a European Union-funded program) and are members of the European Monitoring Group on Meningococci. The remaining laboratory was located in Burkina Faso. Neisseria meningitidis was sought by detecting several meningococcus-specific genes (crgA, ctrA, 16S rRNA, and porA). The PCR-based nonculture method for the detection of N. meningitidis gave similar results between participants with a mean sensitivity and specificity of 89.7 and 92.7%, respectively. Most of the laboratories also performed genogrouping assays (siaD and mynB/sacC). The performance of genogrouping was more variable between laboratories, with a mean sensitivity of 72.7%. Genogroup B gave the best correlation between participants, as all laboratories routinely perform this PCR. The results for genogroups A and W135 were less similar between the eight participating laboratories that performed these PCRs.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Burkina Faso
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • DNA, Bacterial / analysis
  • DNA, Bacterial / cerebrospinal fluid
  • European Union
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Laboratories*
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Meningococcal / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Meningitis, Meningococcal / microbiology
  • Meningococcal Infections / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Meningococcal Infections / microbiology
  • Neisseria meningitidis / classification*
  • Neisseria meningitidis / genetics
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial