Detection of bacterial antigens in body fluids with the Wellcogen Haemophilus influenzae b, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Neisseria meningitidis (ACYW135) latex agglutination tests.

The Wellcogen Haemophilus influenzae b, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Neisseria meningitidis (ACYW135) latex agglutination tests (Wellcome Diagnostics, Dartford, England) were evaluated as methods to detect bacterial antigens in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), urine, and serum from patients with meningitis or sepsis. Antigen was detected in 92% of CSFs from H. influenzae b, 100% of CSFs from N. meningitidis groups A and Y, 36% of CSFs from N. meningitidis group C, and 69% of CSFs from pneumococcal meningitidis patients. Serum samples presented a problem, with a few false-positive or possible cross-reactions. The Wellcogen latex agglutination tests were more sensitive than the Bactogen (H. influenzae type b) latex agglutination test and the Phadebact (S. pneumoniae) coagglutination test.