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Detection of Enteroviruses in the Cerebrospinal Fluid by Polymerase Chain Reaction: Prospective Study of Impact on the Management of Hospitalized Children

2000; SAGE Publishing; Volume: 39; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1177/000992280003900402

1938-2707

Virginie Masserey Spicher, Pierre‐Yves Berclaz, Jean‐Jacques Cheseaux, Pierre­-Alain Morandi, Susanne Suter, Werner Wunderli, Claire‐Anne Siegrist,

Viral gastroenteritis research and epidemiology

A polymerase chain reaction kit (AMPLICOR EV®) for the detection of enteroviruses (EV-PCR) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was evaluated in clinical conditions in a prospective blinded-intention study. Forty-three children (mean age 2.7 years) hospitalized for suspected meningitis or fever of unclear etiology were enrolled. EV-PCR was performed on a daily basis. Results were available in less than 2 days in 72% of cases. EV-PCR was positive in nine (21%) children, including three infants without CSF pleocytosis. Knowing their EV-PCR result would have allowed a saving of 18 hospital days and 12 days of antibiotic therapy. The EV-PCR in the CSF can thus be practically useful for children hospitalized for meningitis or fever if available on-site on a daily basis.