sodC-Based Real-Time PCR Assay for Detection of Neisseria meningitidis Infection

CDC researchers have developed a real-time PCR assay for the detection of Neisseria meningitidis sodC within clinical specimens. The ability to detect all strains of N. meningitidis, regardless of individual serogroup, is the central innovation of this technology. Further, the assay is sensitive enough to detect even the very limited sample sizes of N. meningitidis that would typically be found in clinical specimens. This technology avoids potentially catastrophic false-negative results associated with current N. meningitidis carriage study testing methods. At least 16% of carried N. meningitidis lacks the ctrA gene, which is the current target of serogroup-based real-time PCR. N. meningitidis is the etiologic agent of epidemic bacterial meningitis and sepsis throughout the world and rapid detection of N. meningitidis infection is essential for patient well-being.