Simultaneous single-tube PCR-based assay for the direct identification of the five most common meningococcal serogroups from clinical samples.

This study presents a stepdown multiplex PCR assay for the simultaneous detection of the five most common Neisseria meningitidis serogroups (A, B, C, W-135 and Y) in 530 clinical samples obtained from 428 patients (271 blood and 259 cerebrospinal fluid). The sensitivity and the specificity was calculated to 100% [positive predictive value 100% (95%, CI 99.0-100%) and negative predictive value 100% (95% CI 99.0-100%)]. The overall effectiveness permits the rapid, accurate and inexpensive detection of the five most prevalent meningococcal serogroups in clinical samples. It is potentially a valuable tool for diagnosis and epidemiological monitoring of disease due to N. meningitidis.