Viral infections of the central nervous system

Background: Viral infections of the central nervous system are an important cause of morbidity and mortality.

Aim: This study was designed to identify the viruses responsible for viral involvement of the CNS and to determine their frequency, circulation pattern, and seasonality.

Methods: Detection, by multiplex PCR using FilmArray® Meningitis/Encephalitis panel, of viruses in the cerebrospinal fluid of all patients admitted for suspected viral infection of central nervous system and requiring hospitalization in the various departments of the Mohamed VI University Hospital of Marrakesh.

Results: Viral infection was diagnosed in 74 of 984 patients (7.5%). The viruses responsible were identified as enterovirus in 22 cases (26.82%), Cytomegalovirus in 21 cases (25.6%), Herpes simplex virus-1 and Varicella-Zoster virus in 12 cases each (14.63%). Other agents were also reported with lower frequencies namely human herpes virus 6 and herpes simplex virus-2. Although the overall rate of CNS viral infection was significantly higher between the summer and spring seasons, the seasonality of the different viral pathogens was variable.

Conclusion: The FilmArray® test can be an aid in the diagnosis of meningitis/meningoencephalitis, especially of viral etiology. Its rational use can improve the management of patients with potentially severe infections without additional cost.