RAPID DIAGNOSIS OF BACTERIAL-MENINGITIS WITH REAGENT STRIPS

Laboratory examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is not available i n many parts of the world, and without knowledge of CSF glucose, prote in, and cells, a diagnosis of meningitis may be missed. Testing CSF wi th urine reagent strips that measure glucose and protein has given var iable results. We tested CSF samples from 234 children with suspected meningitis for glucose, protein, and leucocytes with Combur9 reagent s trips. The results were compared with those obtained from the laborato ry and also interpreted as indicating bacterial or viral meningitis. T here was good agreement between the strip and laboratory method of est imating CSF glucose, protein, and leucocytes. All but 4 of the cases o f meningitis were correctly identified by the strip method (sensitivit y 97%). 2 (2.9%) of 69 cases of bacterial meningitis were judged by an independent observer to be viral, and 2 (3.3%) of 60 cases of viral m eningitis as normal. No normal CSF was diagnosed as meningitis (specif icity 100%). The results indicate that Combur9 reagent strips can dist inguish normal from infected CSF and are of value in the diagnosis of meningitis.