False-negative PCR result due to gene polymorphism: the example of Neisseria meningitidis

J Clin Microbiol. 2010 Dec;48(12):4590-1. doi: 10.1128/JCM.01766-10. Epub 2010 Oct 20.

Abstract

Early treatment of meningococcal meningitis is mandatory but may negate the cerebrospinal fluid culture. Etiological diagnosis then mainly relies on PCR. Here, we report a case of false-negative results for real-time PCR for a Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B isolate with a polymorphism in the ctrA gene.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Proteins / genetics
  • Bacteriological Techniques / methods*
  • Child, Preschool
  • DNA, Bacterial / chemistry
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • False Negative Reactions*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Meningococcal Infections / diagnosis
  • Meningococcal Infections / microbiology*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Neisseria meningitidis / genetics*
  • Neisseria meningitidis / isolation & purification
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • DNA, Bacterial

Associated data

  • GENBANK/HQ156899