Multiplex PCR for Identification of Seven Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotypes Targeted by a 7-Valent Conjugate Vaccine

Abstract

Here we describe a Streptococcus pneumoniae one-step multiplex PCR assay which identifies by amplicon size the seven capsular polysaccharide serotypes targeted by the 7-valent conjugate vaccine. The multiplex PCR assay was used to blindly assay clinical isolates recovered during 1999 in the Republic of Ireland from cases of invasive disease whose serotypes were previously determined by classical methods.