Streptococcus pneumoniae – RT-PCR

Testing Indications

Contact Public Health Ontario laboratory prior to submitting sample types other than those listed below to obtain PHO Medical/Clinical Microbiologist approval.

Storage and Transport

Label the specimen container with the patient’s full name, date of collection and one other unique identifier such as the patient’s date of birth or Health Card Number. Failure to provide this information may result in rejection or testing delay.

Special Instructions

Place specimen in biohazard bag and seal. Specimens should be stored at 2-8°C following collection and shipped to PHOL on ice packs.

If transport of specimen to testing laboratory will be delayed more than 72 hours specimens should be frozen and shipped on dry ice.

Test Frequency and Turnaround Time (TAT)

The Streptococcus pneumoniae – CSF RT-PCR test is performed as needed Monday to Friday.  

Turnaround time is up to 3 days from receipt by PHO laboratory.

Streptococcus pneumoniae Specimen nucleic acids are tested using a Real-Time PCR assays.

Pneumolysin, encoded by the pneumolysin ply gene is one of the virulence factors expressed by all serotypes of S. pneumoniae.

Autolysin, encoded by the lytA gene, is required for S. pneumoniae pathogenesis and is a well-characterized virulence marker.

2-keto-3-deoxygluconate kinase-encoding (kdgk) gene is used to clarify discrepancies between the ply and lytA genes.

Reporting

Results are reported to the ordering physician or health care provider as indicated on the requisition.