LATEX AGGLUTINATION TESTING IN BACTERIAL-MENINGITIS

The value of the latex agglutination test in meningitis was assessed. This was positive in 60% cases of Streptococcus pneumoniae, 93% of Hae mophilus influenzae type b, and 39% of Neisseria meningitidis infectio ns. We cannot support the view that this test was more valuable than G ram staining in partially treated meningitis and cannot recommend its routine use. It may, however, be valuable if Gram staining does not id entify an organism or if it suggests meningococcal infection.