New Test Brings Faster Diagnosis

A new clinical diagnostic test approved by the Federal Drug Administration on Friday can detect the viral form of meningitis in only 3 hours. Previous methods of testing took up to a week to diagnose the potentially fatal disease.

The new test will allow clinicians to quickly determine if the meningitis is caused by a viral infection or the more deadly form caused by bacterial infection. Use of the new test will help doctors decide more rapidly on the course of treatment necessary to fight the illness.

Meningitis is a disease caused by the infection of the fluid that bathes the spinal cord and brain. Symptoms include high fever, headache, soar neck, nausea, and vomiting. The disease is treatable, although success is dependent upon a quick diagnosis. Treatments vary depending on if the disease is caused by viral or bacterial infection. Meningitis is contagious and can be spread through the air via sneezing or coughing. The bacteria can also be transmitted by human to human contact such as kissing or by sharing food or liquids.

According to the American College Health Association, college students who live in dormitories are particularly at risk. Due to lifestyle factors, such as crowded living situations, bar patronage, active or passive smoking, irregular sleep patterns, and sharing of personal items, college students living in residence halls are more likely to acquire meningococcal disease than the general college population.

The new test approved on Friday could help prevent potential outbreaks and cut mortality rates. "Because this test is significantly faster than existing methods for diagnosing meningitis, it could minimize delays in treating patients. Swift recognition of the cause and appropriate treatment is critical to patient recovery," said Daniel Schultz, M.D., director of the Center for Devices and Radiological Health. "Since bacterial meningitis can be deadly within as little as two days, patients who have viral meningitis are frequently treated with antibiotics as a safeguard against the more dangerous bacterial meningitis. This test should help physicians manage patients appropriately and prevent unnecessary treatment with antibiotics."

With timely treatment with antibiotics the risk of mortality from meningitis falls to below 15%. According to the Center for Disease Control, over 10% of patients who recover from meningitis will suffer from permanent hearing loss, mental retardation, and other symptoms.

A decrease in time to diagnosis meningitis is an important breakthrough. The symptoms of meningitis are similar to those of the flu and common cold, creating the potential for clinicians to misdiagnose patients. In 2001, University of South Dakota volleyball player McKenzie Hartwig died from meningitis the same day as falling seriously ill. Hartwig had previously complained of flu and cold like symptoms.

Sources: FDA

CDC

American College Health Association

South Dakota Sports Information