Diagnosis of Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia by quantitative enzyme linked immunosorbent assay of C-polysaccharide antigen. Issue 8 (August 1994)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gillespie, S H; Smith, M D; Dickens, A; Raynes, J G; McAdam, K P
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical pathology. Volume 47:Issue 8(1994)
• Page Start: 749
• Page End: 751
• Publication Date: 1994-08
• Subjects: Pathology -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; 616.0705
• DOI: 10.1136/jcp.47.8.749
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9746

Abstract

Abstract : AIMS--To evaluate the use of a quantitative enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detecting C-polysaccharide (PnC) antigen in sputum for the diagnosis of Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. METHODS--Specimens of sputum from 60 patients with acute community and hospital acquired pneumonia and infective exacerbations of obstructive airways disease were examined by semiquantitative culture and antigen ELISA. RESULTS--Using a cutoff value of 1 microgram/ml PnC antigen for a positive result, the sensitivity of this assay was 90.3%, specificity 93.1%, predictive value of a positive result was 93.5%, and the predictive value of a negative result 89.6%. CONCLUSIONS--Quantitation of C-polysaccharide antigen in sputum by ELISA distinguishes between carriage of oral bacteria which express PnC-like antigen and infection with S pneumoniae and compares favourably with other diagnostic methods.