AbstractAim: In the present study an attempt has been made to detect the sensitivity of ADA activity in diagnosing Tuberculous Meningitis. Materials and Methods: A total of 47 children aged 2 months to 12 years admitted. 21 of these patients had tuberculous meningitis, 10 had bacterial meningitis, another 7 considered to have encephalitis were included and a group of 9 patients who did not have meningitis, but are admitted to pediatric wards for other complaints like epilepsy, febrile seizures and to surgical wards for either inguinal hernia or hydrocele repair who underwent surgery under spinal anesthesia were taken. The patients were divided into four group. Results: Adenosine Deaminase activity is measured in cerebro spinal fluid of 21 cases of Tuberculosis Meningitis, 10 Cases of Bacterial Meningitis, 7 cases of Encephalitis and 9 cases of controls. The mean C.S.F ADA level was significantly raised (p<0.001) in Tuberculosis Meningitis patients as compared to other study groups. i.e, pyogenic Meningitis Encephalitis and non inflammatory conditions of C.N.S. A cut – off C.S.F ADA level of > 5 LU/L was considered for the diagnosis of Tuberculosis Meningitis and the tests showed a sensitivity and specificity of 95.24% and 88.4% respectively. The ADA activity in TBM cases had significantly correlation with cell count and protein concentration. Conclusion: Overall it was found to be a single better test in comprasion to any other tests for the diagnosis of Tuberculous Meningitis.
Keywords: Tuberculous Meningitis; Adenosine Deaminase; Encephalities.