Cerebrospinal Fluid C-Reactive Protein in the Laboratory Diagnosis of Bacterial Meningitis

ABSTRACT. Samples of cerebrospinal fluid from 112 cases of suspected meningitis were tested for the presence of C-reactive protein (CRP), using a qualitative and quantitative slide test. Bacterial meningitis was confirmed in 34 patients, based on CSF and blood culture results, and/or elevated CSF white blood cell (WBC) count and typical biochemical profile. There were 8 patients with early onset, and 3 who had received prior antimicrobial therapy among the 5 neonates, 23 children, and 6 adults with bacterial meningitis. Organisms recovered from CSF, and/or blood, included Haemohilus influenzae 14, Streptococcus pneumoniae 9, Streptococcus group B 5, Staphylococcus aureus 2, E. coli 2 and Klebsiella penumoniae 1. Slide test was positive for CRP in 33 cases, giving a sensitivity of 97 % which compared favourably with elevated CSF protein 33 %, decreased CFS glucose 64.7 % CSF glucose/blood glucose