The Meningitis Diagnostic Testing market is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by factors such as increasing awareness about the disease, improved diagnosis rates, and the development of novel treatment options. The increasing prevalence of meningitis and favourable initiatives to combat the disease with appropriate diagnosis and treatment options are expected to boost market growth during the forecast period.

Global Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market was valued at US $ 119.8 Mn in 2023 and is expected to reach ~US $ 175 Mn by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2023 to 2032.

The expected increase in government involvement to manage global meningococcal disease outbreaks and the growing demand for rapid diagnostic systems are poised to drive market growth in the forecast period. For example, in November 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with global partners engaged in meningitis control and prevention, initiated the development of a global roadmap to combat meningitis by 2030. Through comprehensive and multidisciplinary consultations, this endeavour brought together hundreds of representatives from member states, partners, experts, private sector stakeholders, and civil society organizations. Such initiatives are anticipated to raise awareness about the importance of early meningitis diagnosis, thereby boosting market growth.

Furthermore, active partnerships and collaborations to address the threat of meningococcal diseases are expected to contribute to market growth. An example is the partnership between the Meningitis Research Foundation and the Global Meningococcal Initiative, which supports and shares world-class research on best practices for diagnosing and preventing meningitis worldwide.

Various tests are commonly used for diagnosing meningitis, including PCR, ELISA, lateral flow assays, culture, and conventional laboratory tests like total protein and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests. Developing novel, technologically advanced, and accurate tests will drive market growth. Some advanced tests offer higher sensitivity and rapid diagnosis. For instance, the QIAstat-Dx Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel developed by QIAGEN is a single rapid diagnostic test capable of detecting 15 microorganisms simultaneously within an hour.

Additionally, ongoing research efforts worldwide to develop rapid and precise diagnostic solutions for meningococcal disorders propel market growth. In February 2020, scientists from Imperial College London received a five-year, USD 23.5 million EU grant to develop and commercialize a rapid diagnostic test for meningitis across Europe. This investigational test stands out for its personalized gene signatures, enabling the diagnosis of severe illnesses.

Furthermore, leading market players are undertaking various organic and inorganic developments to gain a competitive advantage and expand their market share, which is expected to provide robust growth opportunities in the market during the forecast period. For example, in January 2022, QIAGEN announced enhancements to its QIAstat-Dx syndromic testing solution, allowing hospitals and laboratories to test multiple pathogens from a single sample. This new test also differentiates meningitis infections and gastrointestinal (GI) pathogens.

COVID-19 Impact on Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced the Meningitis Diagnostic Testing market in several ways. In the initial stages of the pandemic, healthcare systems faced an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases. Consequently, routine medical services, including meningitis diagnostic testing, were postponed or given lower priority. This resulted in a decline in meningitis tests, impacting the market's growth. Many diagnostic laboratories and healthcare facilities redirected their focus toward COVID-19 testing, diverting resources and personnel from other diagnostic procedures, including those for meningitis. The symptoms of meningitis, such as fever and headache, often resembled those of COVID-19. This similarity occasionally led to delayed or missed diagnoses of meningitis, as healthcare providers initially suspected COVID-19 in patients presenting with these symptoms. The global supply chain disruptions brought about by the pandemic affected the availability of diagnostic test kits and reagents required for meningitis testing. Delays in producing and distributing these critical materials hindered the market's ability to meet testing demands.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, healthcare providers explored telemedicine and remote testing options. While these approaches allowed some individuals to receive diagnostic consultations and tests without visiting healthcare facilities, they also posed challenges regarding test accuracy and the feasibility of conducting specific diagnostic procedures remotely. The pandemic led to a redirection of research and development efforts and financial resources toward COVID-19 diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines. This may have temporarily slowed down the progress of advancements in meningitis diagnostic testing technologies. The pandemic underscored the significance of vaccines in preventing infectious diseases. Consequently, there has been an increased awareness of vaccines for diseases like meningitis, which could positively impact prevention initiatives.

Factors Driving the Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market

Drivers

Rising prevalence of meningitis all over the world

The increasing worldwide prevalence of meningitis is playing a significant role in driving growth in the global meningitis diagnostic testing market. A study conducted by Ghia CJ et al., published in December 2021, revealed a wide range of prevalence rates, from 0.5% to 61.8% in the pediatric population and 8.68% to 78.85% across all age groups (0-75 years). Notably, cryptococcal meningitis was found to be most frequent in HIV/AIDS patients, ranging from 2.09% to 53.1%.

This substantial increase in the number of patients has led to a heightened demand for point-of-care services. Point-of-care services offer more precise results in less time than traditional meningitis diagnostic testing methods. This growing demand is a key driver behind the global market expansion.

Furthermore, government initiatives to control meningitis outbreaks and the increased need for rapid diagnostic tools are expected to support the market's growth further. The World Health Organization has taken significant steps, including developing a global roadmap involving experts, Member States representatives, partners, Civil Society Organizations, and representatives from the commercial sector, to combat meningitis by 2030. These efforts are aimed at raising awareness about the importance of early meningitis detection, thereby fostering market growth.

Challenges

Diagnostic inaccuracy

The accuracy of diagnostic tests for meningitis can vary depending on the type of test used, the timing of the test, and the specific pathogens causing the infection. False-negative or false-positive results can occur, posing challenges for healthcare providers in making timely and accurate diagnoses. Meningitis symptoms, such as fever, headache, and neck stiffness, can overlap with symptoms of other illnesses, including viral infections. This overlap can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, affecting the accuracy of testing and patient outcomes. Diagnosing meningitis often involves a combination of clinical evaluation, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, imaging studies, and laboratory tests. Coordinating these multiple diagnostic modalities can be complex and may require specialized expertise.

Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market Segmentation 

By Diagnostic Type

The segmentation analysis of the treatment type segment is as Latex Agglutination Tests, Lateral Flow Assay Tests, PCR Assay Tests, Elisa Tests, Culture Tests and Others.  

In 2022, the PCR assay segment dominated the market share based on test type. This was primarily due to several factors, including the availability of a robust product portfolio of PCR tests and the strong preference for PCR assays in meningitis detection owing to their exceptional accuracy. Furthermore, PCR tests are known for their heightened sensitivity, which generates highly precise and reliable results, further bolstering their adoption for meningitis testing.

Additionally, the commercial availability of various RT-PCR platforms that can deliver results in less than two hours, encompassing multi-target (multiplex) and single-target (singleplex) detection tests, is driving the uptake of PCR assays. Furthermore, ongoing technological advancements in PCR assays aimed at reducing turnaround times and enhancing diagnostic precision are expected to create lucrative growth opportunities within this segment. For instance, the BIOFIRE FILMARRAY ME PANEL developed by bioMerieux SA enables rapid and accurate testing for common pathogens responsible for various CNS infections.

Conversely, the lateral flow assay segment will experience the most rapid growth throughout the forecast period. This accelerated growth can be attributed to several factors, including the lower cost compared to other testing methods, swift testing processes, and the increasing use of home-based testing. Additionally, the growing demand for point-of-care testing in various healthcare settings is expected to expand this segment further.

By End-User

The segmentation analysis of the end-user segment is as hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, ambulatory surgical centres, academic and research institutes and others.

The substantial patient population within hospital settings necessitates the delivery of optimal care, contributing to the ongoing growth of this market, which is expected to persist in the forecast period. Moreover, these hospitals are well-equipped with modern diagnostic capabilities and staffed by qualified medical professionals, ensuring increased patient access.

Additionally, increased healthcare spending per capita is anticipated to drive the growth. According to the World Bank, global healthcare expenditure rose from 9.7% in 2018 to 9.83% in 2019. The heightened hospitalization rate due to meningitis and the severity of the condition is likely to further propel the expansion of this sector throughout the forecast period.

The diagnostic centres segment is poised for rapid growth in the upcoming years. The surge in the prevalence of infectious diseases and the growing utilization of technologically advanced devices for precise and accurate diagnostic outcomes are key factors driving the expansion of this category. Furthermore, numerous diagnostic facilities such as ARUP Laboratories, UCSF Labs, and others offering meningitis diagnostic tests are adding fuel to the sector's growth in the forecast period.

By Regions

By region, the market is divided into North America, Europe, APAC, and Others. Others are further divided into the Middle East and South America.

The increasing demand for Meningitis Diagnostic treatment in the healthcare sector is presenting opportunities for manufacturers in North America to expand their operations. North America boasts numerous producers and suppliers, and the region's rapid economic growth has led to an expansion in industrial production, consequently driving the demand for Meningitis Diagnostic Testing.

Factors such as escalating healthcare expenditure, a surge in research studies, advancements in technologies for treating metabolic diseases, and the establishment of pharmaceutical and biotechnology businesses across the region all contribute to the growth of the Meningitis Diagnostic Testing market share in North America.

Collaborative research initiatives between key healthcare organizations and businesses are expected to boost the region's demand for Meningitis Diagnostic Testing. Additionally, ongoing efforts in new product development to enhance existing treatment options are adding to the market's growth. As individuals become increasingly aware of various treatment modalities, including cysteine-depleting therapy for management purposes, the market in this region continues to expand. These factors underscore North America's dominance in the global Meningitis Diagnostic Testing market.

North America remains a prominent player in the global Meningitis Diagnostic Testing market, with the United States at the forefront. Government initiatives promoting infrastructure development, investment, and a focus on promoting healthy lifestyles have all contributed to the region's heightened demand for Meningitis Diagnostic Testing. The United States, in particular, has been proactive in implementing various initiatives and research efforts that have further stimulated the demand for Meningitis Diagnostic Testing.

Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape of the Meningitis Diagnostic Testing market involves assessing the competitive landscape to understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Meningitis Diagnostic Testing treatment providers are investing in the research development of innovative and more effective treatments. Major meningitis diagnostic testing market players are implementing various strategies such as mergers and acquisitions, developing new products, and forming partnerships to expand their market share. For instance, in July 2022, Abacus Diagnostica launched the GenomEra assay kit, a rapid PCR test, in the European market to quickly detect viruses responsible for meningitis and encephalitis. Additionally, in 2020, BioFire Diagnostics introduced the FilmArray ME panel in Taiwan, capable of detecting more than 14 pathogens simultaneously. Some well-known companies in the global meningitis diagnostic testing market include Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Abbott, ELITechGroup, Seegene Inc., Luminex Corporation, CERTEST BIOTEC, IMMY, and Uniogen Oy.

Recent Developments in the Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market

• In January 2022, QIAGEN N.V. announced advancements in commercializing its QIAstat-Dx syndromic testing solution. This development allows laboratories and hospitals worldwide to conduct tests for multiple pathogens using a single patient sample. It includes introducing new tests and launching a higher-throughput version that incorporates enhanced walk-away efficiency through the innovative QIAstat-Dx Smart Drawer.
• In July 2022, Abacus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Uniogen, introduced a new rapid PCR test known as the GenomEra assay kit (HSV-1/2, VZV + EV Assay Kit) in the European markets. This groundbreaking medical technology enables the rapid and precise identification of viruses responsible for viral meningitis and encephalitis, marking a significant advancement in medical diagnostics.

Table of Contents

1.    Executive summary

2.    MARKET INTRODUCTION

2.1               MARKET SCOPE

2.2               MARKET Definitions

3.    research methodology

4.    market outlook

4.1               Key Trends

4.2               GUIDELINES / REGULATIONS

4.3               COVID- 19 IMPACT ON GLOBAL Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market

4.4               MARKET DYNAMICS

4.4.1                   Drivers

4.4.1.1               Increasing prevalence of meningitis

4.4.1.2               Improved diagnostic techniques

4.4.2                   Restraints

4.4.2.1               Stringent regulatory framework

4.4.3                   Opportunities

4.4.3.1               Ongoing research and development efforts in investments

4.4.4                   Challenges

4.4.4.1               Diagnostic inaccuracy

4.5               PriCing Analysis

4.6               PORTER’S FIVE FORCE MODEL

4.6.1                   Threat of new entrants

4.6.2                   Threat of substitute

4.6.3                   Bargaining power of suppliers

4.6.4                   Bargaining power of buyers

4.6.5                   Intensity of competitive rivalry

5.    GLOBAL Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market, By Type, MARKET ESTIMATION AND FORECAST, 2019-2032), value (USD million)

5.1               INTRODUCTION

5.2               MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS

5.3               bacterial

5.4               viral

5.5               fungal

6.    GLOBAL Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market, BY diagnostic type, MARKET ESTIMATION AND FORECAST, 2019-2032, value (USD million)

6.1               INTRODUCTION

6.2               MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS

6.3               Latex Agglutination Tests

6.4               Lateral Flow Assay Tests

6.5               PCR Assay Tests

6.6               ELISA Tests

6.7               Culture Tests

6.8               others

7.    GLOBAL Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market, BY end user, MARKET ESTIMATION AND FORECAST, 2019-2032, value (USD million)

7.1               INTRODUCTION

7.2               MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS

7.3               Hospitals

7.4               Diagnostic Laboratories

7.5               Ambulatory Surgical Centers

7.6               academic and research institutes

7.7               Others

8.    GLOBAL Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market, REGIONAL ANALYSIS MARKET ESTIMATION AND FORECAST, 2019-2032, value (USD million)

8.1               INTRODUCTION

8.2               NORTH AMERICA Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market

8.2.1                   North America Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market, By Country

8.2.1.1               US

8.2.1.2               Canada

8.2.1.3               Mexico

8.2.2                   North America Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market, By Type

8.2.3                   North America Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market, By Diagnostic Type

8.2.4                   North America Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market, By End User

8.3               EUROPE Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market

8.3.1                   Europe Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market, By Country

8.3.1.1               Germany

8.3.1.2               UK

8.3.1.3               France

8.3.1.4               Italy

8.3.1.5               Spain

8.3.1.6               Russia

8.3.1.7               Rest of Europe

8.3.2                   Europe Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market, By Type

8.3.3                   Europe Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market, By Diagnostic Type

8.3.4                   Europe Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market, By End User

8.4               ASIA PACIFIC Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market

8.4.1                   Asia Pacific Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market, By Country

8.4.1.1               China

8.4.1.2               Japan

8.4.1.3               India

8.4.1.4               Australia

8.4.1.5               Singapore

8.4.1.6               South Korea

8.4.1.7               Thailand

8.4.1.8               Indonesia

8.4.1.9               Malaysia

8.4.1.10           Philippines

8.4.1.11           Rest of Asia Pacific

8.4.2                   Europe Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market, By Type

8.4.3                   Europe Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market, By Diagnostic Type

8.4.4                   Europe Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market, By End User

8.5               MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market

8.5.1                   Middle East & Africa Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market, By Country

8.5.1.1               UAE

8.5.1.2               Saudi Arabia

8.5.1.3               South Africa

8.5.1.4               Rest of Middle East & Africa

8.5.2                   Middle East & Africa Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market, By Type

8.5.3                   Middle East & Africa Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market, By Diagnostic Type

8.5.4                   Middle East & Africa Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market, By End User

8.6               SOUTH AMERICA Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market

8.6.1                   South America Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market, By Country

8.6.1.1               Brazil

8.6.1.2               Argentina

8.6.1.3               Peru

8.6.1.4               Rest of South America

8.6.2                   South America Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market, By Type

8.6.3                   South America Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market, By Diagnostic Type

8.6.4                   South America Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market, By End User

9.    GLOBAL Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market, COMPETITIVE Intelligence

9.1               COMPETITIVE POSITIONING

9.2               competitor benchmarking

9.3               COMPETIVE QUADRANT

9.4               market share analysis, 2022 (%)

10. GLOBAL Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market, COMPANY ANALYSIS

10.1           Abbott

10.1.1               Company Overview

10.1.1.1           Business outlook

10.1.1.2           Headquarter

10.1.1.3           Established/Incorporated

10.1.1.4           Headcounts/ Employee strength

10.1.2               Financial Overview

10.1.2.1           Sales/revenue

10.1.2.2           R&D expenditure

10.1.2.3           Business segment sales share

10.1.2.4           Regional sales share

10.1.3               Product Offerings 

10.1.4               SWOT Analysis

10.1.5               Key Developments (Expansion/New Product Development/Agreement/Mergers & Acquisitions, Partnership/Investment/Etc.)

10.2           Becton, Dickinson and Company

10.3           Biofire Diagnostics

10.4           Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.

10.5           CERTEST BIOTEC

10.6           DiagCor Bioscience Inc.

10.7           ELITechGroup

10.8           IMMY

10.9           Luminex Corporation

10.10        Nanosphere

10.11        Seegene Inc.

10.12        Siemens Healthcare GmbH

10.13        Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

10.14        Uniogen Oy

10.15        others

*Financials and Details May Not be Included in Case of Privately Held Company

Global Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market Segmentation

Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market by Types: Market Size & Forecast 2023-2030

• Molecular diagnostics
• Serological tests
• Microscopic examination
• Other tests

Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market by Applications: Market Size & Forecast 2023-2030

• Diagnosis of meningitis
• Monitoring of treatment
• Surveillance

Meningitis Diagnostic Testing Market by End users: Market Size & Forecast 2023-2030

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Laboratories
• Research institutions

Meningitis Diagnostic Testing by Geography: Market Size & Forecast 2023-2030

• North America (USA, Canada, Mexico)
• Europe (Germany, UK, France, Russia, Italy, Rest of Europe)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea, India, Southeast Asia, Rest of Asia-Pacific)
• South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Rest of South America)
• Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Rest of MEA)

Major Players:

• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
• bioMérieux SA
• Siemens Healthineers AG
• Quidel Corporation
• Abbott Laboratories
• Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.
• Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD)
• Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
• Danaher Corporation
• Hologic, Inc.
• Luminex Corporation
• Cepheid (a Danaher company)
• Bruker Corporation
• GenMark Diagnostics, Inc.
• Fast Track Diagnostics (a Siemens Healthineers company)
• ELITechGroup
• Seegene Inc.
• DiaSorin S.p.A.
• Oxford Immunotec Ltd.
• ZeptoMetrix Corporation
• IMMY
• Hain Lifescience GmbH
• HLL Lifecare Limited
• Primerdesign Ltd.