Evaluation of multiplex PCR for viral central nervous system infection in children / 中国小儿急救医学

ABSTRACT

Objective:To evaluate the clinical significance of molecular detection testing multiple pathogens in children with viral central nervous system infections.Methods:We retrospectively included 176 children who were suspected with central nervous system infection at Shanghai Children′s Medical Center from January 2017 to May 2021.Film Array Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel(FA-M/E) was used to test cerebrospinal fluid samples of these children.The results were analyzed compared with clinical symptoms and cerebrospinal fluid indices.Results:There were 34 samples with positive FA-M/E virus detection(19.32%, 34/176). Among the 34 samples, enterovirus was the most common pathogen(27 cases, 79.41%). In different combinations, the sensitivity and positive predictive value were all less than 90%.The median time for antiviral drugs used in FA-M/E virus-positive and negative children was 4.5(0, 8.5)d and 2.6(0, 2.0)d, respectively.The difference was statistically significant( P<0.05). Conclusion:Molecular tests of multiple pathogens can quickly and sensitively detect pathogens.It can improve the efficacy of clinical diagnosis of viral central nervous system infection.