Counterimmunoelectrophoresis for Rapid Diagnosis of Meningitis due to Diplococcus pneumoniae

Abstract

Specimens of cerebrospinal fluid from six adults with bacteriologically confirmed meningitis due to Diplococcus pneumoniae were tested for the presence of pneumococcal polysaccharide by counterimmunoelectrophoresis. Pneumococcal antigen was present in the body fluids from five of the six patients. Sequential analyses of specimens from individual patients revealed striking variations in persistence of antigen in cerebrospinal fluid and in serum and urine as well. Counterimmunoelectrophoresis is a definitive adjunct for rapid and specific diagnosis of pneumococcal meningitis.