Are cerebrospinal fluid biochemical parameters valid to predict positive results in microbiological molecular diagnostic platforms? A 4-year experience with the FilmArray® Panel Meningitis/Encephalitis for detection of community-acquired bacterial meningitis.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate whether the use of the FilmArray® Meningitis/Encephalitis panel (M/E) in the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis can be optimized based on the screening of cerebrospinal fluid biochemical parameters and whether there is a correlation between biochemical data and positive results of the technique.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

We used data from La Paz University Hospital between September 5, 2017 and December 1, 2021, from patients who had had the FilmArray® panel M/E performed on cerebrospinal fluid samples.

RESULTS

Bacterial meningitis was suspected in 63.9% of the patients; 38.15% had a positive result on the FilmArray® panel M/E, of which 68.97% were isolated in culture. Of the biochemical parameters studied in cerebrospinal fluid, white blood cell count, lactate, and protein were increased in PCR-positive patients, but glucose was decreased.

DISCUSSION: Only lactate showed a significant contribution to the model, with a cut-off point of 4.65 mmol/L with a sensitivity of 81.5% and a specificity of 96.4%.