Abstract
Utility of C-reactive protein (CRP) latex agglutination test in meningitis was evaluated. Serum CRP test was positive in 100% cases of meningitic groups and 53% cases of “no meaningitis (NM)” group. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) CRP test was positive in 100% cases of pyogenic meningitis, whereas it was negative in 95% cases of tuberculous meningitis and 100% cases of NM group. CSF CRP test showed 100% sensitivity and negativbe predictive values, 95–100% specificity and 94–100% positive predictive values for various inter-group differentiations. This study conclluded that CSF CRP positive cases should be considered as pyogenic meningitis unless proved otherwise. Routine use of this simple, reliable and inexpensive test is recommended for rapid diagnosis and differential diagnosis f meningitis.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Corrall CJ, Pepple JM, Moxon ER, Hughes WT. C-reactive protein in spinal fluid of children with meningitis.J Pediatr 1981; 99: 365–369.
John M, Raj IS, Macadens Ret al. Cerebrospinal fluid C-reactive protein measurement-a bed side test in the rapid diagnosis of bacterial meningiis.J Trop Pediatr 1990; 36: 213–217.
Peltola HO. C-reactive protein for rapid monitoring of infections of the central nervous system.Lancet 1982;1 (8279): 980–982.
Clarke D, Cost K. Use of serum C-reactive protein in differentiating septic from aseptic meningitis in children.J Pediatr 1983; 102: 718–720.
Macfarlane DE, Narla VR. Cerebrospinal fluid C-reactive protein in the laboratory diagnosis of bacterial meningitiis.Acta Pediatr Scand 1985; 74: 560–563.
Pepys MB. C-reactive protein fifty years on.Lancet 1981; 1 (8221): 653–657.
Hansson L, Axelsson G, Linne Tet al. Serum C-reactive protein in the differential diagnosis of acute meningitis.Scand J Infect Dis 1993; 25: 625–630.
Mortenson RF, Osmand AP, Gewurz H. Effects of C-reactive protein on the lymphoid system. Binding to thymus dependent lymphocytes and alteration of their functions.J Exp Med 1975; 141: 821–839.
Phillip AG, Baker CJ. Cerebrospinal fluid C-reactive protein in neonatal meningitis,J Pediatr 1983; 102: 715–717.
Abramson JS, Hampton KD, Babu Set al. The use of C-reactive protein from cerebrospinal fluid for differentiating maningitis from other central nervous system diseases.J Infect Dis 1985; 151: 854–858.
Benjamin DR, Opheim KE, Brewer L. Is C-reactive protein useful in the management of children with suspected bacterial meningitis?Am J Clin Pathol 1984; 81: 779–782.
Eiden J, Yolken RH. Cc-reactive protein and limulus amebocyte lysate assays in diagnosis of bacterial meningitis.J Pediatr 1986; 108: 423–426.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Pemde, H.K., Harish, K., Thawrani, Y.P. et al. C-reactive protein in childhood meningitides. Indian J Pediatr 63, 73–77 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02823870
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02823870