title: PCR identification of the group A Neisseria meningitidis gene in cerebrospinal fluid.
abstract: The aim of this study was to develop a PCR method for direct identification of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup A in cerebrospinal fluid. The assay makes use of unique sites within the gene cassette responsible for expression of the (alpha1 --> 6)-linked N-acetyl-D-mannosamine-1-phosphate serogroup A capsule. A total of 67 different N. meningitidis strains and 12 clinical samples of CSF, culture positive for N. meningitidis, were examined. All the strains and samples of N. meningitidis serogroup A were correctly identified by an amplified PCR product of 519 bp. The PCR method for identification is specific for the group A gene of N. meningitidis. The assay may contribute to reducing recurrent, devastating epidemics of meningococcal infection by providing a diagnostic tool for grouping in developing countries where problems with false negative cultures are common and vaccination against serogroup A meningococci may be required.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Orebro Medical Center Hospital, Sweden.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Orvelid
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bäckman
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Olcén
mesh_terms: D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D005798:Genes, Bacterial; D006801:Humans; D008589:Meningococcal Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid*; D009345:Neisseria meningitidis / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D004269:DNA, Bacterial