Duplex ddPCR detection of lytA and piaB in Streptococcus pneumoniae from nasopharyngeal swabs.

ABSTRACT: Detecting Streptococcus pneumoniae traditionally relies on complex and time-consuming culture methods, limiting sensitivity, especially in samples with low bacterial loads. Molecular diagnostics, particularly real-time PCR (qPCR), have significantly improved detection thresholds compared to culture. This pilot study aimed to assess the sensitivity and specificity of a duplex droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay targeting pneumococcal-specific genes lytA and piaB in nasopharyngeal swabs from asymptomatic children. A total of 165 nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected, of which ten samples were excluded during quality control, leaving 155 for analysis. These included 73 culture-positive (47%) and 82 culture-negative (53%) samples. The ddPCR analysis yielded 105 samples (68%) positive for bo

SUBMITTER: Kallsberg A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12644700 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature