Detection of Haemophilus Influenzae Type B in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Suspected Children with Meningitis by Pcr

Background: A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay with primers from “hpd” gene was compared with culture for the detection of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) in CSF samples from children suspected of meningitis. Methods: 300 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from suspected meningitis cases were studied by culture (Leventhal & Chocolate Agar) and PCR. Results: The latter method could detect Hib in all 5 culture positive and in 2 of 295 culture negative cases, showing sensitivity, specificity, and an accuracy index of 100%, 99% and 99%, respectively. The PCR result was available within a day. Conclusion: This study has shown that PCR is a rapid, sensitive, and specific diagnostic test for Hib from CSF samples. Furthermore, to maximize management of meningitis cases to reduce the morbidity, mortality, and complications of invasive Hib infection a combination of culture and PCR is necessary for the detection of Hib infec­ tion. The incidence of Hib meningitis among children in Children’s Medical Center in Tehran based on culture and PCR results were 2.4 % and 1.7% respectively. Based on culture results, Hib causes 15.6% of all cases of bacterial meningitis in children. MJIRI, Vol. 19, No. 2, 181-184, 2005.