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Unit Code 110241:
Haemophilus influenzae (Latex), Spinal Fluid

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Useful For

Screening for Haemophilus influenzae meningitis

 

The test should not be used to diagnose meningitis; culture is

necessary.

 

Clinical Information

Meningitis has a wide variety of potential causes, both infectious

and noninfectious. Diagnosis depends on clinical findings and

culture. If bacterial meningitis is not treated promptly and effectively,

the disease is likely to be fatal. Accordingly, early identification of

the infecting agent can be of considerable value in providing the

patient with appropriate treatment. Latex agglutination tests have

been developed to rapidly identify bacterial antigens.

 

The latex agglutination procedure is used for qualitative detection of

specific polysaccharide antigen from Haemophilus influenzae type

b, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis groups A, C, Y,

or W135, Neisseria meningitidis group B, Escherichia coli K1, or

streptococcus group B (infants) present in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

as a result of infection.

 

Reference Values

Negative

Interpretation

A positive result suggests the presence of Haemophilus

influenzae in the cerebrospinal fluid. However, examples have

been reported of unrelated bacteria which possess common

antigens. As with any immunological test, the possibility of false

positives due to cross reactions cannot be ruled out.

 

A negative result suggests the absence of a Haemophilus

influenzae. However, it does not eliminate the possibility of an

infection caused by this organism. If symptoms are present,

cultures are indicated.

 

 

Cautions

Tests performed directly on clinical specimens are intended for

screening purposes and do not replace the need for culture.

 

 

Clinical Reference

Tunkel AR, Scheld WM:  Pathogenesis and pathophysiology of

bacterial meningitis. Clin Microbiol Rev 1993; 6:118-136

 

Key