PCR detection of M. pneumoniae and C. pneumoniae (Antwerp and Leuven)

Test description

Extraction M. pneumoniae/C. pneumoniae DNA from matrix. Amplification DNA by real-time PCR.

Purpose of the PCR test

• Confirmation of diagnosis
• Surveillance

Criteria

Criteria for PCR detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae

• Children or adults diagnosed as ambulatory or hospitalised patients with pneumonia not considered nosocomial: documented by an RX thorax, not suspected to be caused by pneumococci based on gram staining of sputum or culture results if available.
• Children or adults with persistent cough for at least 2 weeks (= patients who may be considered sporadic cases of Bordetella pertussis infections).
• Outbreaks: several linked patients with unexplained respiratory tract infection
• Children or adults with meningitis/encephalitis not suspected to be caused by meningococcal disease, S. pneumoniae or HSV

Criteria for PCR detection of Chlamydophila pneumoniae

• Children or adults diagnosed as outpatients or hospitalised patients with pneumonia not considered nosocomial: documented by an RX thorax, not suspected to be caused by pneumococci based on gram staining of sputum or culture results if available
• Children or adults with persistent cough for at least 2 weeks (= patients who may be considered sporadic cases of Bordetella pertussis infections).
• Outbreaks: several linked patients with unexplained respiratory tract infection

Suitable samples for PCR diagnostics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae

• Respiratory sample (sputum if available or throat swab), biopsy (unfixed), CSV (M. pneumoniae detection only)
• Swabs: cotton, Dacron or Flocked; dry in sterile container or preferably in universal or virus transport medium
• Minimum sample volume: 0.25 ml
• In a sterile container.

Transport instructions

University Hospital Antwerp:

All practical info related to sending samples is available via our website.http://labogids.uza.be/?_ga=2.216276886.125138701.1627394894-1313601540.1609427347​

University Hospital Leuven:

All practical info related to sending samples is available through our website.http://www.uzleuven.be/lag/

Unacceptable requests

• Insufficient volume
• Sample not suitable for analysis
• Incorrect transport/storageIncomplete application form
• Application does not meet the criteria

Turn around time and analysis frequency

Analysis frequency:

• PCR detection M. pneumoniae in CSV: daily 
• PCR detection M. pneumoniae, C. pneumoniae in respiratory sample:
  • UZA: 3x per week
  • UZ Leuven: 2x per week

Turn around time:

• PCR detection M. pneumoniae in CSV: 2 working days
• PCR detection M. pneumoniae, C. pneumoniae in respiratory sample: 2 working days

Response time: less than 1 working day

Reporting of test results

How: mail or fax at applicant’s discretion.