Comparison of latex agglutination and co-agglutination for the diagnosis and prognosis of cryptococcal meningitis.
Indian J Med Microbiol
;
2003 Oct-Dec; 21(4): 252-6
Article
in English
| IMSEAR
| ID: sea-53880
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
To compare a commercially available Latex agglutination test and an in house co-agglutination test for the detection of cryptococcal antigen in cases of chronic meningitis.METHODS:
One hundred and fifty cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 150 cases of chronic meningitis were tested for the presence of Cryptococcus neoformans by modified India ink, culture and antigen detection by latex agglutination test (LAT) and co-agglutination (Co-A) test.RESULTS:
Thirty-nine cases were positive by one or more tests employed. Antigen detection in CSF by LAT and Co-A was found to be most sensitive (94.9%) while culture was the least (25.6%). Of the two antigen detection methods, Co-A was found to be more sensitive than the LAT, the difference being statistically significant. Initial CSF antigen titres did not have any prognostic significance.CONCLUSIONS:
Co-A for antigen detection is an inexpensive and useful adjunct to direct microscopy and culture for the diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis, though its usefulness in prognosis needs to be evaluated further.
Full text:
Available
Index:
IMSEAR (South-East Asia)
Type of study:
Prognostic study
Language:
English
Journal:
Indian J Med Microbiol
Journal subject:
Microbiology
Year:
2003
Type:
Article
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