In recent months, Bulgaria has witnessed a concerning increase in cases of meningococcal infections. According to the Ministry of Health, since the beginning of 2025, 8 cases of invasive meningococcal disease have been registered, four of which were in school-aged children. This represents a significant increase compared to previous years, when the average number of cases was 3-4 annually.

Particularly alarming is the case from March 25, 2025, when an 11-month-old infant died from a rapidly progressing meningococcal infection, leading to sepsis and multiple organ failure. During the same period, three cases of neuroinfections were reported in Sofia—viral meningitis, bacterial meningitis, and meningococcal meningitis.

Meningitis is a severe inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain, which can be caused by various pathogens, including bacteria and viruses. Bacterial meningitis, especially that caused by Neisseria meningitidis, is particularly dangerous and can lead to severe complications or fatal outcomes if not diagnosed and treated promptly. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, and confusion.

Rapid and accurate diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment and limiting the spread of infection. In this regard, we offer reliable solutions for the detection of meningitis pathogens:

Ingenetix BactoReal® Kit Neisseria meningitidis

A Real-Time PCR analysis that detects the capsular transport protein gene (ctrA) of all known serogroups of N. meningitidis.

Key features:

• Internal positive control, system to exclude false-negative results
• 100% specificity
• CE-IVD certified
• Validated for use with a wide range of Real-Time PCR platforms

Provides fast and precise diagnosis necessary for timely and successful treatment of patients.

VIASURE Viral Meningitis Panel Real-Time PCR Detection Kit RUO

A multiplex Real-Time PCR analysis that simultaneously detects and differentiates the major viral pathogens causing meningitis, including: Adenovirus, Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, Parvovirus B19, Human herpesvirus 1, Human herpesvirus 2, Varicella-zoster virus, Human herpesvirus 6, Human herpesvirus 7, Human herpesvirus 8, Mumps virus, Enterovirus, and/or Parechovirus.

Key features:

• Multiple targets (9 targets in 4 tubes)
• Fast and convenient format – all reagents are pre-applied in tubes and lyophilized. Only DNA needs to be added after rehydration.
• Storage and transport at room temperature
• Internal control
• RUO
• Validated for use with a wide range of Real-Time PCR platforms

Provides fast and specific diagnosis, which is crucial for timely and effective treatment.

VIASURE H. influenzae + N. meningitidis + S. pneumoniae Real-Time PCR Detection Kit

A Real-Time PCR kit for rapid detection and differentiation of the three major bacterial pathogens causing meningitis, including: Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae.

Key features:

• Multiple targets (3 targets in 1 tube)
• Fast and convenient format – all reagents are pre-applied in tubes and lyophilized. Only DNA needs to be added after rehydration.
• Storage and transport at room temperature
• Internal control
• CE-IVD certified
• Validated for use with a wide range of Real-Time PCR platforms

Provided in a user-friendly format with high sensitivity and specificity for reliable diagnosis.

RevoDx Meningitis/Encephalitis 21 Pathogen PLUS Detection Kit

A Real-Time PCR analysis designed for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of multiple bacterial and viral pathogens causing meningitis, including: Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli K1, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), Human parechovirus (HPeV), Enterovirus, Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1), Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2), Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV 6), Human herpesvirus 7 (HHV 7), Mumps virus, Adenovirus, Parvovirus B19, Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii.

Key features:

• Multiple targets (21 targets in 7 tubes)
• Ready-to-use kits available in strip or tube formats
• Internal endogenous control (Human RNase P)
• Analysis duration: 60 minutes
• Diagnostic specificity ≥ 99%
• CE-IVD certified
• Validated for use with a wide range of Real-Time PCR platforms

Provides fast and specific diagnosis, essential for timely and effective treatment of patients.

Our additional solutions to facilitate the diagnostic process:

• Automated Blood Culture System – Autobio BC60 is an innovative next-generation system that integrates state-of-the-art advancements and optimizations in the field. Its main advantages include accelerated detection times for positive samples and excellent antibiotic neutralizing activity.
• Sterile Nasopharyngeal Flocked Swabs with Liquid Transport Medium AMIES – Suitable for sampling and transporting samples for molecular diagnostics and culture-based studies.
• DNA/RNA Isolation: Ask about our comprehensive portfolio of kits for nucleic acid isolation, suitable for use with the kits listed above.
• Cultivation, Agglutination, and Identification of Meningococci and Other Pathogens: Ask about our comprehensive solutions for the cultivation, agglutination, and precise identification of meningococci and other bacterial meningitis pathogens.