In spite of many improvements in health care
system, acute bacterial meningitis remains a life
threatening infectious emergency accounting a
mortality rate not less than 10 per cent1. An early
diagnosis can reduce the mortality as well as postmeningitic neurological sequelae, which are more
common in children and immunocompromised
patients. Currently, the diagnosis of meningitis is
mostly done by Gram stain and culture though the
outcome is affected in many clinical situations by