Rapid Diagnosis of Bacterial Meningitis: Demonstration of Bacterial Antigen by Counterimmunoelectrophoresis

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Abstract
24 cases of bacteriologically confirmed meningitis due to Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae and Diplococcus pneumoniae were studied by counterimmunoelectrophoresis of cerebrospinal fluid. A specific bacterial antigen was found in 20 cases (83%). The antigen content varied widely. No false-positive reactions occurred in a control group of 21 patients. The high frequency of demonstrable antigen confirms the diagnostic value of this rapid procedure.