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Bacterial meningitis: rapid diagnosis and microbial profile: a multicentered study
Sultana Shameem1, C S Vinod Kumar, Y F Neelagund
1Division of Research in Medical Sciences, Department of Microbiology, Gulbarga University, Gulbarga.
The Journal of Communicable Diseases
|March 24, 2009
Summary
Latex Agglutination Test aids rapid diagnosis of pyogenic meningitis in children. This method, alongside Gram stain and CRP, improves accuracy in identifying bacterial meningitis, even after antibiotic treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Pyogenic meningitis poses a significant threat to children in India, with high rates of illness and death.
- Accurate and rapid diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and improved outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of pyogenic meningitis in children in Gulbarga.
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of Gram stain, C-reactive protein (CRP), and Latex Agglutination Test (LAT) for rapid diagnosis of pyogenic meningitis.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study over 48 months investigated 535 children with suspected acute bacterial meningitis.
- Diagnostic methods included microscopy (Gram stain), CRP, bacterial culture, LAT for antigen detection, cell counts, and biochemical tests.
- LAT specifically targeted antigens of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Group B Streptococci, E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b.
Main Results:
- Of 535 suspected cases, 291 were diagnosed with pyogenic meningitis (55 pre-treated).
- In untreated cases (236), Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common pathogen (44.7%).
- LAT demonstrated high diagnostic value, identifying bacterial antigens in 214 untreated and 52 pre-treated cases, outperforming Gram stain and CRP in pre-treated cases.
Conclusions:
- Latex Agglutination Test is a valuable adjunct for the rapid and accurate diagnosis of pyogenic meningitis.
- LAT remains effective even in children who have already received antibiotic treatment.
- The study highlights the importance of timely diagnostic interventions in pediatric meningitis.
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