Aetiology of viral central nervous system infection, a Malaysian study
- Author:
Yean Kong Yong
;
Heng Thay Chong
;
Kum Thong Wong
;
Chong Tin Tan
;
Shamala Devi
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Neurology Asia
2008;13(1):65-71
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Over 100 viruses are known to cause acute viral encephalitis in human. In order to diagnose a viral
central nervous system infection, various laboratory diagnosis methods have been used. In this study,
we examined 220 cerebrospinal fluid samples that were received at the Diagnostic Virology Laboratory
of University Malaya Medical Centre between year 2004 to 2006, by viral isolation, pathogen specific
antibody ELISA, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Real-Time PCR. Majority of the samples
were from patients <10 years old. Out of 220 samples, 3 were positive for viral isolation, 27 for
PCR (inclusive for the 3 positive for viral isolation) and 39 for pathogen specific ELISA. The total
positive detection rate of this study was 30%. Herpes virus was the most important aetiologic agent,
responsible for 58% of infection, followed by paramyxovirus (especially measles virus) in 26% of
infection, and 14% by enterovirus. Parvovirus and flavivirus were the other common viruses. Among
the herpes viruses, herpes simplex and cytomegalovirus were the most common.
- Full text:P020150901410302234215.pdf
