Fully automated identification of Neisseria meningitidis using the BD MAX system in a clinical laboratory setting: A preliminary study

The rapid and accurate identification of Neisseria meningitidis, a pathogen that causes invasive infections and meningitis, is crucial for its effective clinical management and infection control. However, identification using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry may misidentify other Neisseria species as N. meningitidis, thus necessitating confirmatory tests based on biochemical properties. These tests require high bacterial concentrations that are achieved through subculturing, which can increase biosafety risks in laboratories.

In this study, we developed a real-time polymerase chain reaction detection system for N. meningitidis using the BD MAX automated genetic testing platform. We then evaluated its accuracy using 25 strains of clinically isolated Neisseria species, including N. meningitidis. Our detection results were in full agreement with those of sequencing-based identification, with a minimum detection sensitivity of 10 CFU/mL. The BD MAX system completes all measurements in a closed system, allowing for the rapid and precise identification of N. meningitidis while reducing laboratory biosafety risks.