Typhoid fever in an 8-month-old infant.

Typhoid fever occurs both in epidemic and endemic forms and is a public health problem in developing countries. Typhoid fever is rare under 2 years of age. The clinical profile of typhoid fever in an infant is variable and non-specific. The absence of specific symptoms or signs makes the clinical diagnosis of typhoid fever difficult. The problem in diagnosing typhoid fever in a young infant is highlighted with a brief literature review on the subject. A rare case of typhoid fever in an 8 month old infant is reported.

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.