Key result
Multiplex PCR protocol detects central nervous system pathogens in ~12% of prospective CSF samples.
Why the study?
A protocol using PCR assays for diagnosing central nervous system infections was developed to improve laboratory diagnosis of aseptic meningitis and encephalitis.
Does a comprehensive PCR protocol improve the laboratory diagnosis of aseptic meningitis and encephalitis in cerebrospinal fluid specimens?
Observational (n=383)
Does a comprehensive PCR protocol improve the laboratory diagnosis of aseptic meningitis and encephalitis in cerebrospinal fluid specimens?
A comprehensive PCR protocol improves the detection of various microorganisms in cerebrospinal fluid for diagnosing central nervous system infections.
May enhance etiologic yield in suspected CNS infections; hypothesis-generating for routine adoption pending outcome studies.
A protocol for testing cerebrospinal fluid specimens using a range of PCR assays for the diagnosis of central nervous system infection was developed and used to test prospectively 383 specimens. PCR assays were used for the detection of adenovirus, Borrelia burgdorferi, enteroviruses, Epstein Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, human herpes virus type 6, JC virus, Leptospira interrogans, Listeria monocytogenes, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, measles virus, mumps virus, Mycobacterium sp. , Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Toxoplasma gondii and varicella zoster virus. Of the 383 specimens tested in this study, 46 (12.0%) were found to be positive. The microorganisms detected were CMV, enterovirus, Epstein Barr virus, herpes simplex virus, human herpes virus type 6, JC virus, L. monocytogenes, Mycobacterium genus, Toxoplasma gondii and varicella zoster virus. The introduction of the PCR protocol described has improved the diagnosis of a range of central nervous system infections in our laboratory. We believe however that further evaluation of these assays in immunocompromised patients is necessary to better determine the predictive value of positive PCR results in these patient groups.
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Chesky et al. (2000) conducted an observational in Central nervous system infection (aseptic meningitis and encephalitis) (n=383). PCR assays was evaluated on Positive PCR result for microorganisms. A protocol using a range of PCR assays detected microorganisms in 12.0% (46 of 383) of prospectively tested cerebrospinal fluid specimens for central nervous system infection.
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