Sequential multiplex PCR for identifying pneumococcal capsular serotypes from south-Saharan African clinical isolates

Abstract
A serial multiplex PCR approach was reformulated for pneumococcal serotyping to test 153 clinical isolates from children in Mozambique. This approach identified serotypes in 139 (90.8 %) of 153 isolates; 126 (82.4 %) were identified within two reactions. This approach in developing countries would require minimal training and could provide useful serotype information without requiring transport of specimens.