Molecular testing for meningitis is used for rapid laboratory documentation of meningococcal infections.
More information
Meningitis or Neisseria meningitidis (Neisseria meningitidis) is a non-mobile, aerobic, Gram negative microbe belonging to the Neisseriaceae family and is a causative agent of meningitis as well as other meningitis diseases. There are 13 meningitis serotypes and their genome has been fully identified, There include approximately 2.2 Mbp (million base pairs) and are organized as a single, circular chromosome.
Meningitis is found as part of normal flora on the mucosal surfaces of the airway (nasopharynx) and can be transmitted between hosts with infected saliva or with droplets. Some trichomes facilitate the attachment of the microbe to the host cell membrane, allowing the bacterium to grow using nutrients, amino acids and iron from the cell. Iron is taken from the blood of hemoglobin in the blood and because of this, blood cells build up often in the areas of infection. When meningitis is introduced into the bloodstream of the host, it can gain access to the brain's meninges resulting in inflammation (meningitis). A polysaccharide sheet containing various surface proteins allows the bacterium to avoid phagocytosis by the host's immune system. Another virulence factor is the production of lipopolysaccharide endotoxin, which increases during the bacterial growth phase.
The infection usually starts with symptoms including fatigue, fever and headaches, but quickly develops into a coma and is fatal in approximately 10% of cases.
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70%-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. Correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased".
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your personal physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.
