Cerebrospinal fluid adenosine deaminase for the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis.

The diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) of the brain is mainly made by testing cerebrospinal fluid, a clear liquid that flows in and around the brain and spinal cord. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is a protein whose production and activity are increased in many diseases, such as TB. ADA testing in cerebrospinal fluid is widely used for the diagnosis of brain TB. However, the experts have split opinions regarding its confirmatory role. This study explores ADA measurement in cerebrospinal fluid for differentiating TB from other brain infections. The report says that this simple and inexpensive test can be helpful, but it cannot make or refute the diagnosis of brain TB and should only be considered along with other tests.