Bosch Healthcare Solutions (BHCS) has recently announced the development of a new PCR test, the Vivalytic Bacterial Meningitis, for its Vivalytic analysis platform. This rapid test is capable of detecting the six most common causes of bacterial meningitis in under an hour, utilizing highly sensitive PCR technology. With this new addition to their test portfolio, BHCS aims to provide reliable and rapid pathogen detection to reduce the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with this serious medical condition.
According to Dr. Stefan Zimmermann, Senior Physician at the Center for Infectious Diseases at Heidelberg University Hospital, bacterial meningitis is an absolute medical emergency and requires immediate and targeted antibiotic treatment to prevent death and permanent damage. The current guideline for adults recommends commencing antibiotic treatment within one to three hours of arrival at the emergency room, and the Vivalytic Bacterial Meningitis test can deliver reliable results within this crucial timeframe.
The Vivalytic Bacterial Meningitis test is a multiplex PCR test that can detect the following pathogens: Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes. This single cartridge test covers the most important bacterial pathogens across all age groups, making it suitable for all patients with suspected bacterial meningitis.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, and it can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. The infection can enter the body through the respiratory tract and spread via the bloodstream, or it can be transmitted from neighboring structures such as the middle ear or paranasal sinuses. Worldwide, 2.5 million people are affected by meningitis every year, with more than half of the cases occurring in children under five years of age. Without immediate treatment, approximately half of those afflicted with bacterial meningitis will die, and one in five cases can lead to permanent complications such as hearing loss, brain damage, and seizures.
Thanks to the introduction of conjugate vaccines and improved medical care, the global mortality rate from bacterial meningitis has significantly decreased. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has set a goal of eliminating bacterial meningitis worldwide by 2030, which includes eliminating meningitis epidemics. BHCS President Marc Meier believes that rapid diagnosis using multiplex PCR tests, such as the Vivalytic Bacterial Meningitis test, could play a crucial role in achieving this goal. While traditional PCR tests can take a day in the laboratory and culture confirmation requires two days, the Vivalytic Bacterial Meningitis test can deliver results in less than an hour.
The Vivalytic system is intuitive to use and requires only a brief training session for medical staff. The collected sample is placed into a test cartridge, which already contains all necessary reagents, and is then inserted into the Vivalytic Analyser for automatic processing. The test result is shown on the display in under an hour. BHCS has recently obtained CE certification for the Vivalytic Bacterial Meningitis test, and it is now available for order from distribution partners.
Overall, BHCS, a subsidiary of Robert Bosch GmbH, aims to use technology to improve people’s health and quality of life. The company’s solutions draw on the Bosch Group’s core competencies in sensors, software, and services to offer customers cross-domain solutions. Bosch’s broad diversification across regions and industries strengthens its innovativeness and robustness, making it a leading global supplier of technology and services.
