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Published on: September 5, 2013
Random amplified polymorphic DNA assay as a rapid tool in screening for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C isolates
S Schmink1, M W Reeves, B Plikaytis
1Meningitis and Special Pathogens Branch, Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. zma6@cdc.gov
Abstract:
Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C (NMSC) isolates of electrophoretic type 24 (ET-24), as identified by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis, are the main cause of serogroup C meningococcal disease outbreaks and sporadic meningococcal disease in the United States. We evaluated a random amplified polymorphic DNA assay as a rapid tool to screen for isolates of ET-24 by testing 199 NMSC isolates of 51 different ETs. A sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 87% was achieved in identification of ET-24 isolates when the patterns obtained by two primers, P1 and P5, were analyzed together.
Insights
A new DNA assay can rapidly screen for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C (NMSC) isolates of electrophoretic type 24 (ET-24), a common cause of US meningococcal disease outbreaks. This method shows promise for faster identification of disease-causing NMSC strains.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C (NMSC) isolates, specifically electrophoretic type 24 (ET-24), are a primary cause of meningococcal disease outbreaks and sporadic cases in the United States.
- Accurate and rapid identification of NMSC ET-24 is crucial for effective disease control and outbreak management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of a random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay as a rapid screening tool for NMSC ET-24 isolates.
- To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the RAPD assay for identifying ET-24 strains.
Main Methods:
- A total of 199 NMSC isolates, representing 51 different electrophoretic types (ETs), were tested using the RAPD assay.
- Two specific primers, P1 and P5, were employed in the RAPD assay, and the resulting DNA patterns were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The RAPD assay demonstrated a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 87% in identifying NMSC ET-24 isolates when patterns from primers P1 and P5 were analyzed together.
- This indicates a high degree of accuracy in distinguishing ET-24 isolates from other NMSC electrophoretic types.
Conclusions:
- The random amplified polymorphic DNA assay is a viable and rapid method for screening Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C isolates for electrophoretic type 24.
- The assay's performance, particularly with primers P1 and P5, supports its potential application in clinical and epidemiological settings for faster identification of key NMSC strains.
