Bacterial antigen detection test in meningitis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of bacterial antigen detection test in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for a rapid etiological diagnosis of bacterial meningitis.


METHODS
The study included 36 cases of bacterial meningitis and 14 controls. Latex particle agglutination test (LPA test) for detection of bacterial antigen was done in the CSF using slidex meningitis kit (Biomeriux, France).


RESULTS
Using LPA test, an etiological diagnosis could be made in 83% cases of bacterial meningitis. In contrast, CSF Gram stain and culture showed 36% and 6% positivity, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of LPA test were 83% and 100%, respectively. The common etiological organisms were S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae type b and N. meningitidis A. S. pneumoniae was encountered in all age groups while H. influenzae type b was found only below one year of age.


CONCLUSIONS
LPA test is a rapid and superior diagnostic tool as compared to CSF Gram stain and culture. The study recommends LPA test as an adjunct laboratory test for rapid etiological diagnosis of bacterial meningitis for prompt institution of proper antibiotics.
Das
B K
BK
Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.
Gurubacharya
Rajesh Lal
RL
Mohapatra
T M
TM
Mishra
O P
OP
D000293:Adolescent; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000276:immunology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007841:Latex Fixation Tests / Q000295:instrumentation; D016920:Meningitis, Bacterial / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial