title: Rapid detection of meningococci from petechiae in acute meningococcal infection.
abstract: In order to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of Gram-staining films from petechial lesions in suspected meningococcal infection, data from 52 patients with confirmed infection were reviewed. Gram-negative diplococci were found in specimens from skin films in 80% (24/30) patients with petechiae. This is significantly better than results reported for Gram-staining of needle aspirates from petechiae (46%; 12/26). Positive skin films were obtained from 89% (17/19) blood culture negative cases and 85% (17/20) CSF negative cases. In 14 cases meningococcal infection was identified only by skin films. Skin film results were not significantly affected by previous antibiotic. Gram-staining of films from petechial lesions in suspected meningococcal infection is a very rapid and effective investigation. Blood culture, CSF examination and culture, and skin films each identified meningococcal infection not identified by the other two investigations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Periappuram
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Keane
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008589:Meningococcal Infections / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009345:Neisseria meningitidis / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D011693:Purpura / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012867:Skin / Q000382:microbiology*