Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 27, 2026
Development of an Electrochemical DNA Biosensor to Detect a Foodborne Pathogen
Published on: June 3, 2018
Development of a TaqMan Array card to target 21 purulent meningitis-related pathogens
Chengna Zhao1,2, Xi Wang3, Chao Zhang2
1Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
Background:
Purulent meningitis (PM) is a serious life-threatening infection of the central nervous system (CNS) by bacteria or fungi and associated with high mortality and high incidence of CNS sequelae in children. However, the conventional cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture method is time-consuming and has a low sensitivity.
Methods:
Our study developed a real-time PCR-based purulent meningitis-TaqMan array card (PM-TAC) that targeted 21 PM-related pathogens and could produce results within 3 h. Primers and probes were adapted from published sources possibly. The performance of them were evaluated and optimized and then they were spotted on TAC.
Results:
The PM-TAC showed a sensitivity and specificity of 95 and 96%, respectively. For all of the 21 targeted pathogens, the PM-TAC assay had a LOD ranging from 5 copies/reaction to 100 copies/reaction, an intra-assay variation of 0.07-4.45%, and an inter-assay variation of 0.11-6.81%. Of the 15 CSF samples collected from patients with PM after empiric antibiotic therapies, the positive rate was 53.3% (8/15) for our PM-TAC assay but was only 13.3% (2/15) for the CSF culture method. Of the 17 CSF samples showing negative CSF culture, the PM-TAC assay identified a case of Neisseria meningitidis infection. Furthermore, all of the 10 CSF samples from patients without CNS infection showed negative for the PM-TAC assay.
Conclusions:
Our PM-TAC assay also demonstrated that the pathogen loads in the CSF samples correlated with the severity of PM. Thus, the PM-TAC may be helpful to improve the prognosis of PM and clinical outcomes from antibiotic therapies.
Insights
A new real-time PCR array card rapidly detects purulent meningitis (PM) pathogens in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This rapid diagnostic tool offers higher sensitivity than traditional culture methods for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Purulent meningitis (PM) is a severe CNS infection with high mortality and sequelae in children.
- Conventional cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture has low sensitivity and is time-consuming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid, sensitive, and specific diagnostic assay for purulent meningitis.
Main Methods:
- Developed a real-time PCR-based TaqMan array card (PM-TAC) targeting 21 PM-related pathogens.
- Optimized primers and probes, then spotted them onto the array card.
- Assay results obtained within 3 hours.
Main Results:
- PM-TAC demonstrated 95% sensitivity and 96% specificity.
- Achieved a limit of detection (LOD) from 5-100 copies/reaction with low intra- and inter-assay variation.
- Identified pathogens in 53.3% of post-antibiotic CSF samples, compared to 13.3% for culture, and detected Neisseria meningitidis in a culture-negative sample.
Conclusions:
- The PM-TAC assay is a rapid and sensitive tool for diagnosing PM.
- Pathogen loads detected by PM-TAC correlate with disease severity, potentially improving prognosis and antibiotic therapy outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Cranial and Spinal Meninges
Cranial Meninges
These meningeal layers cover the cranium. The dura mater is the outermost layer of cranial meninges. It is a thick and durable membrane of dense...
02:26Defenses Against Pathogens and Herbivores
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
01:29Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
01:43Sustainable Development
01:15Development of the Lymphatic System
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...