RECENT ADVANCES IN THE LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS OF CENTRAL-NERVOUS-SYSTEMINFECTIONS

The polymerase chain reaction is now making a major contribution to th e diagnosis of infections of the central nervous system, The polymeras e chain reaction can increase the sensitivity, specificity and speed o f diagnosis of these conditions, and so make a significant impact on t heir management. In this article we discuss the application of the pol ymerase chain reaction to the diagnosis of common infections of the ce ntral nervous system, Bacterial antigen testing in cerebrospinal fluid is likely to be displaced by polymerase chain reaction.