Consecutive Use of Two Multiplex PCR-Based Assays for Simultaneous Identification and Determination of Capsular Status of Nine Common Neisseria meningitidis Serogroups Associated with Invasive Disease

We developed two Neisseria meningitidis multiplex PCR assays to be used consecutively that allow determination of the serogroup and capsular status of serogroup A, B, C, 29E, W135, X, and Y cnl-3/cnl-1-like-containing N. meningitidis isolates by direct analysis of the amplicon size. These assays offer a rapid and simple method of serogrouping N. meningitidis.