Latex particle aggultination tests as an adjunct to the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis

ABSTRACT

A prospective study using a latex particle agglutination test for the detection of bacterial antigens in CSF has been carried out in 90 patients with meningitis. The antigens sought were those of Str. pneumoniae, H. influenzae b, N. meningitidis groups A, C, Y, W, 135, N. meningitidis B, E. coli, Kl. and Str. group B. Eighty-five patients had proven bacterial meningitis and the rest had aseptic meningitis. The bacteria causing meningitis included N. meningitidis [group B in four and groups ACYW 135 in 56], Str. pneumoniae [20 patients] and H. influenzae b [five patients]. The sensitivity and specificity of the tests were as good as those reported from developed countries. With both technical feasibility and good sensitivity and specificity, the Wellcogen agglutination tests seem to be useful and reliable for the rapid diagnosis of bacterial meningitis, especially in situations where pre-hospital treatment with antibiotics are possible