Table 2

Recommended laboratory investigations in acute bacterial meningitis9

Blood
 Culture and antibiotic sensitivity
 Cell count
 C reactive protein
 Latex particle agglutination (LPA) for pneumococcal antigen
 PCR
Cerebrospinal fluid
 Opening pressure
 Appearance
 Cell count
 Biochemistry

  • Glucose, and the ratio of blood glucose (obtained before lumbar puncture)

  • Protein

  • Optional: lactate, ferritin, chloride, lactate dehydrogenase

 Microbiology

  • Gram stain, culture, antibiotic sensitivity

 Others

  • LPA

  • PCR

Body fluid culture and antibiotic sensitivity: petechial fluid, sputum, secretions from oropharynx, nose and ear (if present)