Application of real time PCR in investigation of bacteria carriage in pharyngeal of healthy population

Objective In order to understand the carriage rate of Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzaein healthy population on Xinjiang.

Methods Oropharyngeal swabs were collected from health people for the detection of N. meningitidis, S. pneumoniae, and H. influenza with real time PCR.

Results The carriage rates ofN. meningitidis, S. pneumoniae, and H. influenz were high in healthy people, which were 37.62% (193/513), 70.37% (361/513), and 77.58% (398/513), respectively. N. meningitidis B and X were predominant, the highest carriage rate was in age group 16–20 years, followed by that in age group 6–10 years. The main serogroups/types of S. pneumoniae were 19B/F, 18B/C, 5 and 6A/B, and the carriage rates of S. pneumoniae and H. influenza were highest in age group 6–10 years. Multiple carriage of two or three pathogens was common.H. influenza had synergistic effect for carriage of S. pneumoniae.

Conclusion The carriages rate of N. meningitidis, S. pneumoniae, and H. influenza are high in healthy population in Xinjiang, suggesting a high potential of bacterial meningitis outbreak, we should strengthen the prevention and control in areas at high risk to prevent the outbreak of bacterial meningitis.