The development of techniques for the amplification of DNA and RNA opened the way
for the cre ation of extremely specific, sensitive, and rapid diagnostic tests for
the detection of viral infections of the central nervous system (CNS). Polymerase
chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) diagnostic assays have
revolutionized the approach to the diagnosis of important viral pathogens—in particular,
enteroviruses (EVs), herpes viruses, and JC virus (JCV). These molecular approaches
to diagnosis have led to improvements in clinical outcome and patient care. Additionally,
their use has permitted a better understanding of the natural history and clinical
spectrum of the syndromes caused by these important human pathogens. This review summarizes
the current understanding with regard to the available, molecularly based, diagnostic
assays for the detection of EVs, herpes viruses, and JCV.
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Footnotes
☆This work was supported under contract with the Virology Branch, Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NO1-AI-15113 and NO1-AI-62554; and by grants from the General Clinical Research Center Program (RR-032) and the State of Alabama.
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© 2003 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
