Rapid diagnosis of bacterial meningitis in children with fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction amplification in the bacterial 16S rRNA gene.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques have been increasingly used to detect microbial DNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. In order to determine the rapidity, sensitivity and specificity of 16S rRNA-based fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (FQ-PCR), 16S rRNA-based FQ-PCR, CSF bacterial culture and CSF routine analysis were compared in the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis in children. Twenty children who were clinically suspected of bacterial meningitis were included in this study. A total of 2.0 ml of CSF was collected from every child and was subjected to 16S rRNA-based FQ-PCR, CSF culture and CSF routine analysis. Bacterial DNA copies and the cycle threshold (CT) value of the 16S rRNA-based FQ-PCR was recorded, and the results were compared with CSF culture and CSF routine analysis. Seven children were found to be positive with a rate of 35% (7/20) when detected with 16S rRNA-based FQ-PCR and four children displayed a positive rate of 20% (4/20) with the CSF culture method. These two groups displayed a significant difference, with a p-value of 0.002. The method of 16S rRNA-based FQ-PCR demonstrated a high specificity when compared to the standard microbes. A negative correlation was noted between the CT value and the bacteria DNA copies, and the CT value was indicative of the seriousness of bacterial meningitis. 16S rRNA-based FQ-PCR was proved to be a more rapid, sensitive and specific method compared with CSF culture and it should have promising usage in the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis.