A Cerebrospinal Specimen Was Cultured for Bacterial Microbes and Tested

Multiple Choice

A cerebrospinal specimen was cultured for bacterial microbes and tested for specific bacterial antigens by latex agglutination. The latex agglutination was positive for Neisseria meningitidis antigen but no organisms grew from the culture. Which of the following could best explain this?

A) The specimen only contained nonviable organisms.
B) The specimen was filtered prior to bacterial antigen testing.
C) The specimen was centrifuged prior to bacterial antigen testing.
D) The specimen was heated prior to bacterial antigen testing.
E) All of the above.