Evaluation of Pneumococcal PCR and Urinary Antigen Detection in Children

Abstract

The rapid detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae could assist in the management of pneumococcal infections. The Binax NOW S. pneumoniae test is a rapid immunochromatographic test for this purpose. Multiplex PCR in parapneumonic pleural effusion fluid (PPEF) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with Binax NOW urinary pneumococcal antigen test (PAT) from 80 children was compared in this study. PAT had a sensitivity of 36.4%, specificity of 97.3%, in CSF. PAT had a sensitivity of 50%, specificity of 81% for parapneumonic pleural effusion fluid. When rapid management of a serious infection is needed the Binax NOW test could be a reliable method for the exclusion of S. pneumoniae infection.