Evaluation of a commercially available reverse transcription-PCR enzyme immunoassay (Enterovirus Consensus kit) for the diagnosis of enterovirus central nervous system infections

A commercial reverse transcription (RT)-PCR amplification method was compared with culture for the diagnosis of enterovirus meningitis. In total, 99 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens were examined with the Enterovirus Consensus kit and shell vial culture. RT-PCR allowed the amplification of enterovirus cDNA and its detection in a microtitre plate by hybridisation. Clinical information and CSF analysis were used to resolve the discrepancy in results. The detection limit of the RT-PCR assay was determined with the Third European Union Concerted Action Enterovirus Proficiency Panel. There were 34 truepositive CSF specimens. Of these, RT-PCR detected 33 (sensitivity 97%), while culture detected 19 (sensitivity 54.5%). RT-PCR failed to detect one culture-positive specimen that contained inhibitors. When samples from the Third European Union Concerted Action Enterovirus Proficiency Panel were tested, the RT-PCR method gave identical results to those expected. The Enterovirus Consensus kit was rapid and statistically more sensitive than culture (p < 0.01) for the detection of enteroviruses in CSF, and may offer considerable benefits in the clinical management of patients with enterovirus meningitis.