POC PCR Test Rapidly Detects Bacterial Meningitis Directly at Point of Sample Collection

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Pathogens typically enter the body through the respiratory tract and spread via the bloodstream. The infection can also be transmitted from nearby structures, such as in cases of middle ear or paranasal sinus inflammation. Every year, 2.5 million people are affected globally, with the majority living in poorer regions. More than half of these cases occur in children under the age of five. Common symptoms include headaches, difficulty concentrating, fever, and a stiff neck. The pathogens responsible for meningitis can be bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. However, bacterial meningitis is especially concerning, with one in five cases leading to permanent complications like hearing loss, brain damage, and seizures. Without prompt treatment, approximately half of those affected may die. Rapid and reliable pathogen detection is essential to reduce the high morbidity and mortality rates by enabling timely and targeted antibiotic treatment. Now, a new PCR rapid test can specifically identify the six most common causes of bacterial meningitis in under an hour.

Bosch Healthcare Solutions (BHCS, Waiblingen, Germany;) has developed the Vivalytic Bacterial Meningitis PCR test for its Vivalytic analysis platform. This test can identify six major bacterial pathogens responsible for meningitis in less than an hour, using highly sensitive PCR technology. According to current guidelines for adults, antibiotic treatment should begin within one to three hours of a patient’s arrival at the emergency room. The Vivalytic Bacterial Meningitis test, using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), provides reliable results within this crucial timeframe. The test can detect Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes, covering the most significant bacterial pathogens across all age groups on a single cartridge. Newborns and young infants are particularly vulnerable to infections caused by Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes. Older infants, toddlers, and young adults are at risk from Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae. In older adults, Streptococcus pneumoniae is more commonly implicated. Guidelines for testing antibiotic susceptibility suggest that PCR tests should be complemented by a CSF culture. After collecting CSF, it is recommended to start antibiotic treatment immediately, possibly alongside dexamethasone.

The Vivalytic system is user-friendly and requires only brief training for medical staff. The collected sample is placed into a test cartridge, which contains all the necessary reagents. The cartridge is then inserted into the Vivalytic Analyzer for automated processing. The test result is displayed in under an hour. The fully automated workflow of the all-in-one platform reduces the risk of infection for the user. The Vivalytic Bacterial Meningitis test allows for reliable and straightforward diagnostics, even during off-peak hours, such as weekends and evenings. While traditional PCR tests take a full day in the laboratory and culture confirmation requires two days, the Bosch test delivers results in under an hour. BHCS has recently received CE certification for the Vivalytic Bacterial Meningitis test. The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to eliminate bacterial meningitis worldwide by 2030, including the eradication of meningitis epidemics.

“Rapid diagnosis using multiplex PCR tests could play a crucial role in this,” said Marc Meier, president of Bosch Healthcare Solutions.

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