Der frühe serologische Nachweis einer Besiedelung von ventriculoatrialen Shunts mit Staphylococcus epidermidis

Abstract

Simple quantitative serological tests demonstrating Staphylococcus epidermidis agglutinins and C-reactive protein were used for the early detection of ventriculo-atrial shunt colonization by this organism. Tests in normal children and adults in various age groups throughout life confirmed Bayston's ovservations that those tested attained a titre up to 1:160 TO S. epidermidis agglutinogen. In contrast, the titre in children with colonised shunts and in adults with S. epidermidis endocarditis, both conditions which are usually accompanied by bacteraemia, rose to much higher levels, sometimes up to 1:5120. The routine combination of both tests has proven to be of considerable diagnostic value, particularly in early or recent colonisation.

Comparison of Two Methods of Prophylaxis Against CSF Shunt Infection

“…The incidence of infection in this series (13.2 0 /0) was not dissimilar to other reports which vary from 1 to 27 0 /0 (7,11). However, few authors include patients who are clinically weIl but have abnormal serology.…”

“…However, few authors include patients who are clinically weIl but have abnormal serology. A rise in titre of antistaphylococcal antibody has been shown to be a reliable test for infection in vascular shunts (2,7), while a rise in Creactive protein levels is an indicator of infection in peritoneal shunts (3). However, this is a non-specific test oftrauma or infection and therefore measurements must be performed not earlier than five days after surgery.…”

Infections in CSF Shunts and External Ventricular Drainage

“…CRP is often normal. An antibody assay has been used to diagnose late-presenting VA shunt infection [48,49].…”