NR ANBE
AU Zunt,J.R.; Marra,C.M.
TI Cerebrospinal fluid testing for the diagnosis of central nervous system infection
QU Neurologic Clinics 1999 Nov; 17(4): 675-89
PT journal article; review; review, tutorial
AB The central nervous system (CNS) is susceptible to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, and prion diseases. Examination of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is crucial in diagnosing these infections. Cerebrospinal tests may directly identify an organism and its nucleic acid and surface constituents by culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), or antigen detection. Alternatively, antibody to an organism may be identified in CSF by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot, or complement fixation assay. This article discusses how these CSF tests are performed and addresses the sensitivity and specificity of such tests for the diagnosis of selected CNS infections.
ZR 98
MH Antibody Specificity/immunology; Central Nervous System Infections/*cerebrospinal; fluid/immunology/microbiology; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Human; Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods
AD Acting Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98104, USA. jzunt@u.washington.edu
SP englisch
PO USA