Improved Detection of Bacterial Central Nervous System Infections by Use of a Broad-Range PCR Assay

A universal PCR assay for bacteria and fungi detected meningitis pathogens in 65% of 20 cerebrospinal fluid ( CSF) samples from patients with suspected central nervous system (CNS) infections compared to a 35% detection rate by culture and/or microscopy methods. Thus, the PCR assay can improve the diagnosis rate of infective meningitis when standard methods provide a negative result.