We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
INTEGRA BIOSCIENCES AG

Download Mobile App




Events

09 Apr 2024 - 12 Apr 2024
15 Apr 2024 - 17 Apr 2024
23 Apr 2024 - 26 Apr 2024

CSF Examined for Enteroviral Nervous System Infection

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 19 Apr 2018
Print article
Image: The ABI 7500 Real Time PCR System is a fully integrated system for real-time detection of PCR (Photo courtesy of Applied BioSystems).
Image: The ABI 7500 Real Time PCR System is a fully integrated system for real-time detection of PCR (Photo courtesy of Applied BioSystems).
Infections caused by enteroviruses are among the most common infectious diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Enterovirus infections account for 40-77% of all viral meningitis cases in adults. An infection of the meninges results in an uncharacteristic headache usually accompanied by fever and neck stiffness.

Enterovirus-induced meningitis and encephalitis are diagnosed by inflammatory changes in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) including pleocytosis and the presence of the virus, which can be detected by molecular analysis. However, uncommon clinical presentations, especially in older adults and the absence of CSF pleocytosis may impede the diagnosis of enteroviral nervous system infections.

Scientists from Hanover Medical School (Hanover, Germany) collected simultaneously CSF and serum samples that were analyzed by routine methods. The data from 46 patients who were PCR-positive for enteroviruses in the CSF between 2002 and 2017 were evaluated. CSF-specific oligoclonal bands were determined by isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gels with consecutive silver staining. RNA was extracted from the CSF using a Qiagen Viral RNA Kit Reverse transcription and real-time PCR amplification of enterovirus RNA was performed as a one-step reaction, on a LightCycler 1.5 platform until September 2014 and subsequently with a slightly modified protocol on an ABI 7500 Real-Time cycler.

The team reported that 20% of patients reported a sudden onset of severe headache that led to the initial suspected diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage. General signs of infection, such as fever, elevated C-reactive protein, and an elevated white blood cell count, were found in only 61%. Most patients exhibited consistent inflammatory CSF changes, with elevated cell counts (85%) and blood–CSF barrier dysfunction (83%). Patients with normal CSF cell counts were significantly older, less frequently presented with meningitis, and exhibited lower peripheral white blood cell counts. Sequencing revealed species Enterovirus B in all patients, with most sequences related to echovirus 30.

The authors concluded that the absence of CSF pleocytosis, isolated cranial nerve involvement, and only infrequent general signs of infection may impede the diagnosis of enteroviral nervous system infections. A thorough CSF analysis including PCR is essential for a reliable diagnosis. The study was published in the March 2018 issue of the International Journal of Infectious Diseases.

Related Links:
Hanover Medical School

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
One Step HbA1c Measuring System
GREENCARE A1c
Complement 3 (C3) Test
GPP-100 C3 Kit
New
Gold Member
Magnetic Bead Separation Modules
MAG and HEATMAG

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The cobas Malaria test is the first FDA-approved molecular test to screen U.S. blood donors for malaria (Photo courtesy of Roche)

First FDA-Approved Molecular Test to Screen Blood Donors for Malaria Could Improve Patient Safety

Malaria, a serious illness that often leads to death, is spread by a specific mosquito species that infect humans with a parasite. Other transmission modes include blood transfusions, organ transplants,... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The medical office procedure detects the key biomarker in Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative diseases (Photo courtesy of BIDMC)

Simple Skin Biopsy Test Detects Parkinson’s and Related Neurodegenerative Diseases

Parkinson's disease and a group of related neurodegenerative disorders known as synucleinopathies impact millions globally. These conditions, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.