Laboratory Diagnosis of Menigococcal Meningitis

Eman Al-Selmie
2006M041

Laboratory Diagnosis of Menigococcal Meningitis

Specimens –
CSF
Blood Culture
Swabs from patechial/vesicular lesions
Nasopharyngeal swab (West”s post nasal swab)– For detection of carriers only

CSF Exam –
Shows while collecting –
o Raised pressure
o Turbidity
Biochem Exam –
o Raised proteins even upto 1 g%
o Reduced glucose even up to 0 mg%
o Chlorides normal or mild resuction.
Microscopy
o Gram stain - Numerous pus cells with intra and extra cellular Gram negative diplocci with adjacent sides flattened.
Detection of Antigen – Meningococcal antigen detection by latex agglutination / CIEP using meningococcal antisera
Culture – Chocolate agar / Blood Agar – Shows translucent small colonies which are oxidase positive.

Blood culture – Positive in early stage of disease.

Nasopharyngeal swab – For detection of carriers.