Surveillance of epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis cases by different laboratory test

ObjectiveTo conduct laboratory surveillance of epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis (ECM) cases in Hefei by using immunology and etiology tests and compare the surveillance results of different methods. MethodsThe blood samples of suspected ECM cases in acute phase and convalescence phase and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples in acute phase were taken. Laboratory diagnosis included immunology tests of serum antibody detection and CSF antigen detection and etiology tests of INeisseria meningitidis/I (INm/I) culture of blood sample, INm/I culture of CSF and INm/I DNA specific fragment detection. ResultsDuring 2005-2008, there were 421 suspected ECM cases, 311 were under laboratory surveillance. The positive rate of serum antibody detection was highest (72.4%), and the case of serogroup C accounted for 70.9% of the total cases. 391 cases were diagnosed clinically (92.9%), 181 cases were diagnosed by laboratory test (43.0%). ConclusionECM cases of serogroup C accounted for the largest proportion of the cases under surveillance in Hefei; there was difference between laboratory diagnosis and clinical diagnosis. Laboratory diagnosis should include more than one assay, and the quality control of the test should be strengthened.