Performance Characteristics of a Real-Time PCR assay for Direct Detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Clinical Specimens

Community-acquired pneumonia and complications, such as bacteremia and meningitis due to Streptococcus pneumoniae infection, still occur in at-risk populations, despite the availability of effective vaccines. Laboratory confirmation of S. pneumoniae remains challenging despite advances in blood culture techniques and the availability of nucleic acid amplification tests. The goal of this study was to determine the performance characteristics of a molecular assay designed as a diagnostic test using primary clinical specimens for invasive pneumococcal disease.
Source: Journal of Molecular Diagnostics - Category: Pathology Authors: Tags: Regular Article Source Type: research