The central nervous system (CNS) is the part of the body’s nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord. Infections of the CNS comprise meningitis (affecting the meninges), encephalitis (affecting brain parenchyma) and myelitis (affecting the spinal cord). Bacteria, fungi and viruses are the most common causes of CNS infections. Acute infections of the central nervous system are medical emergencies that can result in mortality or long-term complications and conditions that have severe implications for the quality of life of affected individuals.¹

Because patients typically present with non-specific symptoms, it can be challenging identifying patients with a potentially life-threatening CNS diagnosis. Fever, headache, neck stiffness and pain, altered mental status and behavior changes are all symptoms that encompass a vague differential diagnosis. Identification of the causative pathogen cannot be based on presentation alone.

Rapid identification of viruses causing CNS infections is key for efficient patient management. Whether clinicians need to rule in or out a specific infection-causing pathogen, know when to discharge a patient with enteroviral meningitis, or get the diagnostic information needed to effectively employ antiviral therapy for HSV encephalitis, bioMérieux offers fast and accurate tests to identify these life-threatening viruses.

bioMérieux offers multiple approaches for the detection and identification of CNS Infections, to ensure appropriate treatment can be made in a timely manner.  From our advanced syndromic approach using our targeted Meningitis/Encephalitis panel to our molecular approach that includes a range of ready-to-use PCR assays for the diagnosis of CNS infections, bioMérieux has the diagnostic solutions available to improve patient outcomes.

References:

¹Archibald LK, Quisling RG. Central Nervous System Infections. Textbook of Neurointensive Care. 2013 May 7:427–517. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4471-5226-2_22. PMCID: PMC7122753.