Bacteria identified in Cerebral spinal fluid by Latex agglutination

Bacteria CSF LA

Definition

A latex agglutination test for antigens in CSF in cases of suspected bacterial meningitis. The most common bacteria antigens tested for are Haemophilus influenzae; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Neisseria meningitidis A; Neisseria meningitidis B; Neisseria meningitidis C. Because the primary purpose is the identification of N. meningitidis, S. pneumoniae, and H. influenzae from clinical specimens collected from suspected cases of bacterial meningitis, the methods do not allow identification of other isolates that may be of clinical importance but are less likely encountered. In the US rarely used due to very poor positive predictive value. Occasionally used to diagnose bacterial meningitis in a patient who is pre-treated with antibiotics. Given current vaccines available in the US (example: pneumococcal, haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine), bacterial meningitis is a rare event in the US.

Bact; Cerebral spinal fluid; Cerebrospinal Fl; ID; Identity or presence; Infectious Disease; InfectiousDisease; LAT; Latex agglutination; Microbiology; Neuro; Neurology; Nominal; Point in time; Random; Spinal Fl; Spinal Fld; Spinal Flu; Spinal Fluid