The Importance of the Virology Laboratory in the Diagnosis and Management of Viral Meningitis

Susan Wildin, Tasnee Chonmaitree

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    48 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    Recent advances cell culture techniques have made possible the rapid and accurate detection of enteroviruses, the most commonly identified cause of aseptic meningitis. Between 1983 and 1985, 69 patients were diagnosed as having enteroviral meningitis by viral culture of cerebrospinal fluid, throat swab, and/or rectal swab or stool specimens. Half of the 49 patients in whom the diagnosis was based on positive cerebrospinal fluid culture benefited directly from viral culture results by early withdrawal of antibiotics, early discharge, or changing of the diagnosis and prognosis of the disease. Enteroviral cultures became positive in as early as 24 hours, and most of the cultures became positive within one week. The cost of viral culture is comparable with that of other microbiologic tests. The virology laboratory has proved useful in the diagnosis and management of patients with enteroviral meningitis.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)454-457
    Number of pages4
    JournalAmerican Journal of Diseases of Children
    Volume141
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Apr 1987

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'The Importance of the Virology Laboratory in the Diagnosis and Management of Viral Meningitis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this