Abstract
We detected E. COLI Kl capsular antigen by counterimmuno-electrophoresis (CIE) in CSF from 14 neonates with clinical features suspected of meningitis. The mean values of CSF findings were: albumin, 39.3mg%; glucose, 66.5mg%; and 4.5 lymphocites/mm3. No patient was previously treated with antibiotics, but all of them received them after the first lumbar tap. The illness had a favorable evolution and clinical symptomatology improved within 48hs. CSF cultures did yield no pathogens. We found E.COLI Kl antigen by CIE in 2 cases in feces and in 100-fold concentrated urine of 2 patients without urinary infection. Coaglutination test was positive in 2 CSF samples. Stool cultures yielded E.COLI in 4 cases. Six additional neonates were studied: 4 cases of meningitis and 2 of pyoventriculitis. CIE for E.COLI Kl was positive in the CSF of all of them. E.COLI Kl antigen detected from neonates without meningitis was interpreted as depending on CSF contamination by capsular antigen (destroyed by host immunologic mechanisms) passing from blood stream.
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Valvano, M., Bercovich, A., Paolini, A. et al. 21 ESCHERICHIA COLI K1 CAPSULAR ANTIGEN IN CEREBROSPINAL FLUID (CSF) FROM NEONATES WITHOUT MENINGITIS. Pediatr Res 15, 186 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198102000-00078
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198102000-00078