[Reliability of the diagnosis of cerebrospinal meningitis during an epidemic. The epidemic in Chad in 1988]. / Fiabilité du diagnostic de méningite cérébrospinale en période épidémique. A propos de l'épidémie du Tchad en 1988.

The authors analysed the positive predictive value (PPV) of the clinical diagnosis during an epidemic of meningococcal meningitidis in Africa. This PPV was globally 73.3 +/- 11.2%. This PPV was fluctuating according to the standards of the diagnosis. Typical clinical meningitic syndrome without spinal picture: 85.7 +/- 10.3%, Non typical syndrome and macroscopical aspect of cerebrospinal fluid: 62.5 +/- 16.4%.