Evaluation of PCR using TRC4 and IS6110 primers in detection of tuberculous meningitis

We have evaluated a new set of primers (TRC4) in comparison with the IS6110 primers commonly used in PCR to detect tuberculous meningitis among childr en. The levels of concordance between the results of IS6110 PCR and TRC4 PC R with cerebrospinal fluid specimens from patients with clinically confirme d tuberculous meningitis were SO and 86%, respectively. Results with the tw o primer sets were concordant for 55 positive and 22 negative specimens (n = 98). Rip conclude that the sensitivity of PCR can be increased by using b oth IS6110 and TRC4 primers.