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A Silkworm Larvae Plasma Test for Detecting Peptidoglycan in Cerebrospinal Fluid Is Useful for the Diagnosis of Bacterial Meningitis
Author(s) -
Inada Katsuya,
Takahashi Kiyomi,
Ichinohe Sadato,
Suda Hidetoshi,
Tsuchiya Masakazu,
Takahashi Junkichi,
Matsuura Shuji,
Kasai Takeshi,
Yoshida Masao,
Endo Shigeatsu,
Sato Shigehiro
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
microbiology and immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.664
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1348-0421
pISSN - 0385-5600
DOI - 10.1111/j.1348-0421.2003.tb03439.x
Subject(s) - meningitis , viral meningitis , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , peptidoglycan , cerebrospinal fluid , gram negative bacteria , gram staining , bacteria , gram positive bacteria , bacterial meningitis , immunology , medicine , antibiotics , biochemistry , surgery , escherichia coli , genetics , neuroscience , gene
The silkworm larvae plasma (SLP) test has been established based on a cascade reaction triggered by either peptidoglycan or (1, 3)‐β‐ D ‐glucan to produce melanin. We applied this test to the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained from patients with bacterial meningitis due to gram‐positive bacteria, gram‐negative bacteria, or fungi, showed positive reactions to the test. In contrast, CSF from patients with viral meningitis or noninfectious illnesses gave negative reactions. Therefore, this test seems to be useful for diagnosis of bacterial and fungal meningitis. When this test was used together with two types of limulus tests, an endotoxin‐specific test, and a conventional test, meningitis was further characterized as gram‐positive, gram‐negative or fungal meningitis. The SLP test requires a computerized instrument for quantitative colorimetric measurement. A qualitative alternative of this test also can be accomplished by visually observing the darkening color. Thus, this method can be applied for simple and rapid diagnosis of meningitis.