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Advances in molecular diagnostic testing for central nervous system infections

Houlihan, CF; Bharucha, T; Breuer, J; (2019) Advances in molecular diagnostic testing for central nervous system infections. Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases , 32 (3) pp. 244-250. 10.1097/QCO.0000000000000548. Green open access

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Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Central nervous system (CNS) infections present an ongoing diagnostic challenge for clinicians, with an aetiological agent remaining unidentified in the majority of cases even in high-income settings. This review summarizes developments in a range of diagnostic methods published in the past 18 months. RECENT FINDINGS: Several commercial assays exist for the detection of viral, bacterial and fungal pathogens using single multiplex PCR. Multicentre validation of the Biofire FilmArray panel illustrated high sensitivity for bacterial and fungal pathogens, but poor results for Cryptococcus species detection. The development of microarray cards for bacterial CNS pathogens shows promise but requires further validation. Few developments have been made in proteomics and transcriptomics, contrasted with significant increase in the use of metagenomic (or unbiased) sequencing. Novel viruses causing CNS infection have been described using this technique but contamination, cost, expertise and turnaround time requirements remain restrictive. Finally, the development of Gene Xpert and Ultra has revolutionized tuberculosis meningitis diagnostics with newly released recommendations for their use from the WHO. SUMMARY: Progress has been made in the clinical validation and international recommendation of PCR-based tests for CNS infections. Sequencing techniques present the most dynamic field, although significant ongoing challenges persist.

Type: Article
Title: Advances in molecular diagnostic testing for central nervous system infections
Location: United States
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1097/QCO.0000000000000548
Publisher version: https://doi.org/10.1097/QCO.0000000000000548
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
Keywords: CNS infections, molecular diagnostics, sequencing, PCR
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Medical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Medical Sciences > Div of Infection and Immunity
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > UCL GOS Institute of Child Health
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > UCL GOS Institute of Child Health > Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Dept
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10071905
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