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Published on: March 13, 2018
Laboratory diagnosis of CNS infections by molecular amplification techniques
1Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 4605 TVC, Nashville, TN 37232-5310, USA +1 615 322 2035 ; +1 615 343 8420 ; yiwei.tang@vanderbilt.edu.
Abstract:
The initial presentation of symptoms and clinical manifestations of CNS infectious diseases often makes a specific diagnosis difficult and uncertain, and the emergence of polymerase chain reaction-led molecular techniques have been used in improving organism-specific diagnosis. These techniques have not only provided rapid, non-invasive detection of microorganisms causing CNS infections, but also demonstrated several neurologic disorders linked to infectious pathogens. Molecular methods performed on cerebrospinal fluid are recognized as the new 'gold standard' for some of these infections caused by microorganisms that are difficult to detect and identify. Although molecular techniques are predicted to be widely used in diagnosing and monitoring CNS infections, the limitations as well as strengths of these techniques must be clearly understood by both clinicians and laboratory personnel.
Insights
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) molecular techniques rapidly diagnose central nervous system (CNS) infections using cerebrospinal fluid. Understanding these advanced diagnostic methods is crucial for effective clinical application.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Central nervous system (CNS) infections present with ambiguous symptoms, complicating diagnosis.
- Traditional diagnostic methods struggle with certain difficult-to-detect microorganisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the role of molecular techniques in diagnosing CNS infections.
- To emphasize the advantages and limitations of these advanced diagnostic tools.
Main Methods:
- Utilized polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-led molecular techniques.
- Analyzed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples.
Main Results:
- PCR techniques enable rapid, non-invasive detection of CNS pathogens.
- Identified links between infectious pathogens and neurological disorders.
- Molecular methods in CSF are becoming the gold standard for specific CNS infections.
Conclusions:
- Molecular diagnostics represent a significant advancement in identifying CNS pathogens.
- Clinicians and lab personnel must understand the strengths and limitations of molecular techniques for optimal use.
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