Evaluation of the accuracy of multiplex polymerase chain reaction in differentiation between bacterial and viral

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Multiplex Detection of Bacteria in Complex Clinical and Environmental Samples using Oligonucleotide-coupled Fluorescent Microspheres
11:09

Multiplex Detection of Bacteria in Complex Clinical and Environmental Samples using Oligonucleotide-coupled Fluorescent Microspheres

Published on: October 23, 2011

16.4K

Mahmoud Abdelfattah Ahmed1, Gamal A Askar1, Hekma S Farghaly1

  • 1Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, 71516, Egypt.

Irish Journal of Medical Science
|March 26, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Multiplex PCR accurately diagnoses bacterial and viral meningitis in children, offering rapid and precise results. This molecular diagnostic tool is crucial for timely and effective treatment of pediatric meningitis cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Molecular Diagnostics
  • Clinical Microbiology

Background:

  • Meningitis poses a significant threat to children's health.
  • Rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential for improving patient outcomes in pediatric meningitis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the diagnostic role and accuracy of multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for bacterial and viral meningitis in children.
  • To assess the sensitivity and specificity of multiplex PCR in identifying meningitis pathogens.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study included 48 children diagnosed with meningitis.
  • Evaluated clinical data, blood glucose levels, and multiplex PCR on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
  • Study conducted between November 2019 and September 2020.

Main Results:

  • Bacterial meningitis accounted for 72.9% of cases, while viral meningitis comprised 27.1%.
  • Multiplex PCR demonstrated 94% sensitivity and 100% specificity for diagnosing bacterial meningitis.
  • The mean age of the pediatric patients was 3.27 ± 1.27 years.

Conclusions:

  • Multiplex PCR is a valuable tool for the rapid and accurate diagnosis and differentiation of bacterial and viral meningitis in children.
  • The high sensitivity and specificity suggest multiplex PCR can significantly aid clinical decision-making.
  • Early and precise diagnosis via multiplex PCR can lead to improved management of pediatric meningitis.
Keywords:
Cerebrospinal fluidChildrenMeningitisMultiplex PCR

More Related Videos

Multiplex PCR Assay for Typing of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome Mec Types I to V in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus09:03

Multiplex PCR Assay for Typing of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome Mec Types I to V in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Published on: September 5, 2013

12.0K
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses03:53

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses

Published on: November 10, 2023

1.4K

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...