Molecular Identification and Detection of Streptococcus Pneumoniae Serotypes Isolated from Selected Hospitals in Tehran Using Multiplex PCR Method

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the major pathogens responsible for invasive diseases such as pneumonia and meningitis. Epidemiological studies of these microorganisms are necessary to evaluate the effect of pneumococcal vaccine in any community. Therefore, the present study was conducted for molecular identification and detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes isolated from selected hospitals in Tehran using multiplex PCR method. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on 32 isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae from clinical specimens of patients admitted to different hospitals in Tehran. The isolates were identified by phenotypic tests and PCR method. Multiplex PCR was used to determine the serotype. FINDINGS: The number and percentage of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates isolated from cerebrospinal fluid, sputum, blood, bronchoalveolar lavage, eyes, and nasal discharge were 12 (37.6%), 7 (21.8%), 6 (18.7%), 3 (9.5%), 2 (6.2%), and 2 (6.2%) isolates, respectively. In the present study, the identified serotypes were the serotypes 1, 4, 6A/B, 7F, 9V, 11A, 14, 15A, 19A, 19F, and 23F. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, more than 50% of the serotypes were not among the serotypes present in the vaccines that are commonly used in the community.

Keywords

• streptococcus pneumoniae
• serogroup
• multiplex polymerase chain reaction
• iran