Cerebrospinal Fluid Polymerase Chain Reaction in the Diagnosis of Neonatal Bacterial Meningitis: A Single-Center Experience From Vietnam

Objective To compare the performance of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with bacterial culture for the diagnosis of neonatal bacterial meningitis (NBM). Method The CSF analysis of neonate with confirmed bacterial meningitis was performed with PCR and bacterial culture, and results were compared. Result Among 24 neonates, the pathogens Identified included E. coli K1 , GBS, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Listeria. PCR identified 20 (83.3%) pathogens, and culture 4 (16.7%) pathogens. Prior antibiotics were administered to 20 (83.3%) neonates in whom PCR identified 17 (85%) and culture 3 (15%) pathogens. Conclusion CSF PCR had a higher yield of pathogens than CSF culture in confirmed neonatal bacterial meningitis with a high rate of prior antibiotic therapy.