We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
INTEGRA BIOSCIENCES AG

Download Mobile App




Tools for Meningitis Diagnostics Implemented in Resource-Limited Settings

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 14 Jan 2019
Print article
Image: The Biofire FilmArray multiplex RT PCR system enables simultaneous testing for bacteria, viruses, yeast, parasites and/or antimicrobial resistant genes (Photo courtesy of bioMérieux).
Image: The Biofire FilmArray multiplex RT PCR system enables simultaneous testing for bacteria, viruses, yeast, parasites and/or antimicrobial resistant genes (Photo courtesy of bioMérieux).
Meningitis remains a top cause of premature death and loss of disability-adjusted life years in low-income countries. In resource-limited settings, proper laboratory diagnostics are often scarce and knowledge about national and local epidemiology is limited.

Misdiagnosis, incorrect treatment and overuse of antibiotics are potential consequences, especially for viral meningitis. Early treatment is essential in the clinical management of meningitis. A delay in therapy negatively affects the prognosis for patients with both bacterial and viral meningitis/encephalitis.

Scientists from the University of Oslo (Oslo, Norway) and their Ethiopian colleagues conducted a prospective study over three months in a teaching hospital in Ethiopia. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected from patients with suspected meningitis. Basic routine testing with microscopy and culture were performed and clinical data, as well as information on treatment and outcome were collected.

CSF samples were cultured onto blood agar and/or chocolate agar for 72 hours at 35 °C in a CO2-enriched incubator (candle jar). Routine bacterial identification was based on colony morphology, Gram staining and standard biochemical reactions. All CSF samples included in the study were analyzed using the meningitis/encephalitis (ME) panel on the bioMérieux FilmArray multiplex polymerase chain reaction system (PCR) system. Two hundred and eighteen patients were included; 117 (54%) neonates (0–29 days), 63 (29%) pediatrics (1 month-15 years) and 38 (17%) adults (≥16 years).

The investigators reported that of 218 CSF samples, 21 (10%) were PCR positive; 4% in neonates, 14% in pediatrics and 18% in adults. Virus was detected in 57% of the PCR positive samples, bacteria in 33% and fungi in 10%. All CSF samples that were PCR positive for a bacterial agent had a white cell count ≥75 cells/mm3 and/or turbid appearance. Only four (2%) of the CSF samples included in the study were found to be positive for microorganisms using conventional methods (microscopy and/or culture).

The authors concluded that a rapid molecular diagnostic system was successfully implemented in an Ethiopian setting without previous experience of molecular diagnostics. Viral meningitis was diagnosed for the first time in routine clinical practice in Ethiopia, and viral agents were the most commonly detected microorganisms in CSF. This study illustrates the potential of rapid diagnostic tests for reducing antibiotic usage in suspected meningitis cases. The study was published on December 20, 2018, in the journal BMC Infectious Diseases.

Related Links:
University of Oslo

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Specimen Collection & Transport
Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Test
GPP-100 Anti-CCP Kit
New
Gold Member
Fully Automated Cell Density/Viability Analyzer
BioProfile FAST CDV

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The study showed the blood-based cancer screening test detects 83% of people with colorectal cancer with specificity of 90% (Photo courtesy of Guardant Health)

Blood Test Shows 83% Accuracy for Detecting Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second biggest cause of cancer deaths among adults in the U.S., with forecasts suggesting 53,010 people might die from it in 2024. While fewer older adults are dying from this... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The Gazelle Hb Variant Test (Photo courtesy of Hemex Health)

First Affordable and Rapid Test for Beta Thalassemia Demonstrates 99% Diagnostic Accuracy

Hemoglobin disorders rank as some of the most prevalent monogenic diseases globally. Among various hemoglobin disorders, beta thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder, affects about 1.5% of the world's... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: These new assays are being developed for use on the recently introduced DxI 9000 Immunoassay Analyzer (Photo courtesy of Beckman Coulter)

Beckman Coulter and Fujirebio Expand Partnership on Neurodegenerative Disease Diagnostics

Beckman Coulter Diagnostics (Brea, CA, USA) and Fujirebio Diagnostics (Tokyo, Japan) have expanded their partnership focused on the development, manufacturing and clinical adoption of neurodegenerative... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.