Rapid identification of bacterial antigen in blood cultures and cerebrospinal fluid

The ability of antibody coated latex particle suspensions to aid the diagnosis of septicaemia and meningitis in children was assessed in 272 blood culture sets and 85 cerebrospinal fluid specimens. This was also assessed in cases caused by Neisseria meningitidis group B infection. The method was 100% sensitive and 99% specific, with good predictive values (range 63% to 100%) and provided valuable support to the routine bacteriological examination of blood culture and cerebrospinal fluid.