Objective: Viral infections of central nervous system (CNS) are rapidly progressive, acute infections with high mortality and morbidity rates, and affect people of every age. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which is a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) is frequently used for diagnosing viral infections of CNS. The aim of this study is to retrospectively analyze the results of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples, which were sent to Akdeniz University Medical Faculty Hospital, Central Laboratory, Department of Microbiology to be investigated for viral agents by PCR method.

Material and Methods: The results of a total of 2849 CSF samples from 704 patients, sent to Akdeniz University Hospital Central Laboratory, Department of Microbiology between 2010-2014 with a preliminary diagnosis of viral CNS infection, were retrospectively analyzed. The CSF samples were tested by the real-time PCR method for adenovirus (AdV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), enterovirus (EV) and herpes simplex viruses type 1 and type 2 (HSV- 1, HSV- 2). Also, protein and glucose levels in CSF samples were recorded.

Results: Thirty eight CSF samples from 35 patients were found to be positive for viral infectious agents. EBV DNA, EV RNA, HSV-I DNA, AdV DNA, CMV DNA and HSV-2 DNA were detected in 3.6% (11/308), 1.8% (8/447), 1.7% (12/721), 1% (4/405), 0.4% (1/271) and 0.2% (2/697) of the samples respectively. HSV-I DNA and EBV DNA were detected in one patient simultaneously. The CSF glucose levels of the patients, who were found to be positive for viral infectious agents were within normal limits in 19 (54.2%), low in six (17.1%) and high in ten (28.6%) patients. Also normal, and higher CSF protein levels were found in 17 (48.6%) and 18 (51.4%) patients, respectively.

Conclusion: Using PCR based molecular methods for the investigation of all possible viral agents in CSF samples will conceivably provide opportunity for early diagnosis and therapy of viral CNS infections.