Introduction

Early diagnosis of meningitis is an important aspect in emergency medicine. The faster the diagnosis, the better the chances of survival, and the lower the risks of possible sequelae. At the moment, microscopic examination or latex tests are used for an early diagnosis of meningitis, which have numerous disadvantages, including poor sensitivity.

Technical features

The invention relates to a multitarget RT PCR test, on two reaction tubes, specific for the identification in the CSF of microorganisms responsible for meningitis (bacteria: Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Heamophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Treponema pallidum; funghi: Cryptococcus neoformans). It allows for Neisseria meningitidis to identify serotypes to provide useful information on the efficacy of vaccines. In addition, a set of primers and probes for beta actin for the suitability of the sample and a generic bacterial target to identify non-classical meningitis. The test was created for the rapid diagnosis of meningitis, approximately 60 minutes, consequently the elective sample is the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which can be used directly if devoid of blood traces or after extraction of nucleic acids if contaminated with blood. The sensitivity of the test is approximately 40 CFUs (colony forming units) per reaction.

Possible Applications

• Rapid clinical diagnosis for bacterial or fungal.

Advantages

• Quick diagnosis of meningitis;
• Fast exclusion of viral meningitis;
• Quick setting of antibiotic or antifungal therapy;
• Reduction of the possibility of DIC (Disseminated Intravasal Coagulation);
• Useful information about the efficacy and protection of vaccines in vaccinated subjects.