Using Real Time PCR For The Etiological Diagnosis Of Viral Encephalitis

Viral infections of the central nervous system (CNS) represent a challenge for early diagnosis and proper treatment of the disease. Different studies should be performed on the patient in order to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. The electroencephalogram, magnetic resonance imaging, viral culture, serological and cytochemical analysis are important tools to diagnose this disease. However, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or conventional PCR has become the gold standard for the diagnosis of viral encephalitis. Indeed, Real Time PCR (RT-PCR) equipments are replacing the conventional PCR ones. Faster results may be an explanation of this fact. Information obtained from dissociation curve analysis of the RT-PCR technique represents a highly sensitive and specific tool for the Herpes simplex (HSV), Varicela (VZV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Enterovirus (EV) detection.