[Comparison of latex agglutination and coagglutination methods for the determination of bacterial antigens in cerebrospinal fluid]

Abstract

The latex agglutination and coagglutination tests were used to demonstrate specific bacterial antigens in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with bacterial meningitis. Latex agglutination was more sensitive than coagglutination. It detected 90% (18/20) of culture positive CSF specimens, whereas coagglutination detected 60% (12/20). Antigens were also detected by latex agglutination in seven of seven additional cerebrospinal fluid specimens after 32-48 hours of antimicrobial therapy, but four of seven by coagglutination.