Reagent strips as an aid to diagnosis of neonatal meningitis in a resource-limited setting

Abstract

Background: Without early recognition and treatment, neonatal meningitis (NM) has a high mortality and morbidity. Although some neonates have features of NM, many do not. In many low-resource settings, the laboratory support to diagnose NM is not available, and bedside diagnostics are needed. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in a neonatal unit in Uganda. Clear cerebrospinal fluid samples were routinely screened for glucose, protein and leukocytes on a ComburVR -10 urinalysis reagent strip. A definitive diagnosis was made using laboratory analysis. The results of the screening and definitive tests were compared. Results: The reagent strip showed moderate sensitivity and high specificity for leukocytes_10_106cells/l, high sensitivity for protein_100 mg/dl and high specificity for glucose<50 mg/dl. Conclusion: The use of reagent strips has the potential to improve and hasten the diagnosis of probable NM in settings where adequate or timely laboratory support is not available