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.