Sequential multiplex PCR for determining capsular serotypes of pneumococci recovered from Brazilian children.

Capsular serotype surveillance of clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae is essential for evaluation of the potential impact of introducing multivalent capsular serotype-based vaccines in Latin America. Here, a previously described sequential multiplex PCR method was revised for optimal targeting of prevalent serotypes in Latin America. The revised protocol successfully serotyped 139/147 pneumococci (94.6%) from Brazilian children, demonstrating a labour-efficient, accurate method requiring only conventional PCR capability.