Burgoine, KathyIkiror, JulietNaizuli, KettyAchom, LindaAkol, SyliviaOlupot-Olupot, Peter2022-12-272022-12-272019Burgoine, K., Ikiror, J., Naizuli, K., Achom, L., Akol, S., & Olupot-Olupot, P. (2019). Reagent strips as an aid to diagnosis of neonatal meningitis in a resource-limited setting. Journal of tropical pediatrics, 65(1), 9-13. doi: 10.1093/tropej/fmy00310.1093/tropej/fmy003https://nru.uncst.go.ug/handle/123456789/6663Without early recognition and treatment, neonatal meningitis (NM) has a high mortality and morbidity. Although some neonates have features of NM, many do not. In many low-resource settings, the laboratory support to diagnose NM is not available, and bedside diagnostics are needed. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in a neonatal unit in Uganda. Clear cerebrospinal fluid samples were routinely screened for glucose, protein and leukocytes on a ComburVR -10 urinalysis reagent strip. A definitive diagnosis was made using laboratory analysis. The results of the screening and definitive tests were compared. Results: The reagent strip showed moderate sensitivity and high specificity for leukocytes 10 106 cells/l, high sensitivity for protein 100 mg/dl and high specificity for glucose<50 mg/dl. Conclusion: The use of reagent strips has the potential to improve and hasten the diagnosis of probable NM in settings where adequate or timely laboratory support is not available.enChild healthPaediatricsNeonatal sepsisMeningitisArticle