Etiological aspects of viral encephalitis explored using PCR-based cerebrospinal fluid analysis, considering patients’ HIV status

Abstract

This study examined 124 patients suffering from acute viral encephalitis who were admitted to the Center for the Development of Professional Skills of Medical Personnel between 2014 and 2019. The research focused on the outcomes of cerebrospinal fluid PCR diagnostics in viral encephalitis cases, taking into account patients' HIV status. Findings revealed that PCR testing offers a more reliable diagnosis and, when lab resources permit, should be employed for CSF analysis to more accurately identify the etiological agent responsible for SVE. It is advised to repeat real-time PCR diagnostics of CSF in cases where the cause of SVE remains undetermined to improve detection rates of SVE's causative factors and enhance targeted therapy effectiveness, shifting from empirical and symptomatic to etiotropic approaches.