The latex agglutination test versus counterimmunoelectrophoresis for rapid diagnosis of bacterial meningitis

摘要: A modified latex agglutination (LA) test was compared with Gram-staining and counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE) for the rapid detection in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of antigen to Haemophilus influenzae type b, Neisseria meningitidis groups A, B C, Escherichia coli K1, Streptococcus pneumoniae group streptococci, seven frequent causes bacterial meningitis children. Of 50 CSF samples from patients culture-proven 90% were correctly shown by LA contain responsible organism. revealed organisms 80% 45 these samples. In 75% 40 that sufficient volume CIE, positive results appropriate obtained. The concentration detected varied undetectable 800 000 ng/ml. Patients a high (more than 2000 ng/ml or result at dilutions over 1/8) significantly more likely have poor response therapy (two died two had persistent pleocytosis bacteria CSF) lower (4/16 v. 0/18, P < 0.05). After begun fell dramatically, but measurable amounts persisted up 6 days. concentrations 2 70 times below limit CIE. additional who received antibiotics before lumbar puncture performed meningitis-causing even though cultures sterile. another 145 did not negative. test, done as described this article, is easier perform CIE should be useful addition diagnostic tests carried out on any patient suspected having meningitis.