Pediatria pre prax 5/2005

RAPID PCR DIAGNOSTICS OF INVASIVE MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE

PCR (polymerase chain reaction) diagnostics is an ideal tool to be used by physicians at departments of infectious diseases, pediatric departments, intensive care units and critical care units of departments of anaesthesiology, resuscitation and intensive care. In National Reference Laboratory for Meningococcal Infections the PCR method has been introduced to detect Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The method adds to the non-cultivation methods (direct microscopy, latex agglutination) used in serious infectious diseases diagnostics to date. It makes it possible to directly identify low-concentration pathogens in clinical material.

Keywords: polymerase chain reaction, PCR, rapid diagnostics.