Laboratory diagnosis of viral infection

摘要: Abstract Since the last Handbook of Clinical Neurology volume on this topic, viral diagnosis has made tremendous strides, moving from margin to mainstream clinical care. For many years, conventional virus isolation was mainstay since it sensitive and “open-minded.” However, growth in cell culture entails an inherent delay that limits its impact. Although rapid antigen methods detect fewer pathogens are less than culture, both require expertise have greatly reduced time result. Polymerase chain reaction ushered a new era virology, especially neurologic diseases. Molecular amplification rapid, highly sensitive, can be automated, quantitative, viruses not amenable routine culture. User-friendly, walk-away tests with results hour, as well multiplex 20 single reaction, now reality. As variety test commercial products proliferate, challenges for clinicians laboratories selecting which utilize scenarios, understanding how interpret results. The advantages limitations each method discussed chapter, special attention disease.