The Slidex-mĕningite-Kit (Bio-Mĕrieux) tested for exoantigen detection in spinal fluids from purulent meningitis cases.

The Slidex-méningite-Kit allows the used of the rather highly sensitive and specific latex-agglutination method for the detection of N. meningitis group A and C and H. influenzae b exoantigens within a few minutes. In model experiments positive results persisted at unchanged intensity for prolonged periods of time regardless of storage temperature. However, in practical trials performed in a set of 60 spinal fluids from purulent meningitis patients etiological agent identification by the slidex-méningite-Kit failed at least as frequently as by cultivation; in the case of meningococci the kit even failed more often than cultivation. Hence the Slidex-méningite-Kit should be regarded as an auxiliary tool in the diagnosis of purulent meningitis and one that cannot replace the classical methods of cultivation and preparation staining. In the case of positive results, advantages of the Slides-méingite-Kit are rapidity in etiological agent identification and prolonged persistence of positivity in the spinal fluid samples.