Application of microarray technology for the detection of intracranial bacterial infection

The aim of this study was to assess the value of microarray technology for the detection of intracranial bacterial infection. A small gene chip was prepared based on the four pathogens commonly known to cause intracranial infection and the corresponding six types of common resistance genes in The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University and The Affiliated Haian People’s Hospital of Nantong University. Cerebrospinal fluid samples were then collected from 30 patients with clinically diagnosed intracranial infection for the detection of the bacteria and resistance genes. The results were compared with the bacterial culture and sensitivity test results from the Department of Clinical Laboratories. The laboratory bacterial culture took 4–5 days, and revealed that 12 cases were positive and 18 cases were negative for bacteria. The microarray analysis took 1 day, and bacteria and resistance genes were detected in 15 cases. The 16S gene and drug resistance genes were detected in 8 cases; however, the bacterial strain was not identified. Seven cases appeared negative for bacteria and resistance genes. Microarray technology is rapid, sensitive and suitable for use in the detection of intracranial infections and other diseases for which conventional bacterial culture has a low positive rate.