Introduction: The aim of this study was to design a molecular detection for differentiation of bacterial from nonbacterial meningitis.

Methods: In this research, the universal primer was used. The DNA of 20 bacterial strains was extracted. Eubacterial 16SrRNA gene fragments (16S rDNA) were amplified by PCR with broad-range ribosomal primers. The PCR was curried out under optimized standard conditions. The PCR products were electrophoresed on agarose 1 % and compared with standard strains. The high specificity of the PCR assay was documented after testing bacteria of 20 different species.

Results: At least 10 bacteria could be found in 1 ml of fluid culture. The use of universal primer which contains 16SrRNA could be suitable amplification of a sequence with 1000bp. This sequence was found very similar in nearly all bacteria. Twenty different bacterial strains were tested. The sequence (1000bp) was seen in all bacterial strains applied in this study.

Conclusion: Use of this molecular method for any bacterial meningitis is applicable because of fast diagnosis in 3 hours, differentiating bacterial meningitis from non-bacterial, and finally the effective treatment of patients suffered with the disease. The method is effective in developing and developed countries.

 Hakim Research Journal 2009 11(4): 27- 32.