Objective: Evaluation of multiplex PCR utility for diagnosis of central nervous system disorders in HIV-infected patients.
Methods: Multiplex PCR assay for simultaneous detection of HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, HHV-6, CMV, EBV, JCV, T. gondii DNA in 27 CSF samples from HIV-infected patients was used. PCR results were compared with clinical diagnosis and histopathological examination of brain obtained at autopsy.
Main observations: Five of seven positive results were corresponding with clinical diagnosis. In two cases also with autopsy.
Results: DNA of one or more pathogens was found in 6 out of 27 (22%) samples: CMV DNA in four patients, JCV DNA and T. gondii DNA in one patients each. In one case co-infections of CMV and EBV was found.
Conclusions: Multiplex PCR is a useful diagnostic method. LIPA-CNS test has high specificity. Lack of nesting step of the reaction and PCR positive control verification could cause a relatively low sensitivity of the test.