A child with aseptic meningitis undergoes lumbar puncture. Compared with cell culture, the major practical advantage of RT-PCR of CSF for enteroviruses is:

• A It identifies the exact serotype needed for vaccine selection
• B It eliminates the need for routine CSF biochemistry and cytology
• C It differentiates enteroviral from bacterial meningitis by quantifying bacterial load
• D Results are available within hours and sensitivity is substantially higher than culture ✓

Explanation

Enteroviruses grow slowly and poorly in cell culture, often taking a week or more, and many strains are fastidious, giving culture sensitivities around 65 to 75 percent. RT-PCR of CSF delivers results in hours with sensitivity above 90 percent, enabling earlier discharge or avoidance of unnecessary antibiotics. PCR does not reliably type the serotype, does not assess bacteria, and complements rather than replaces routine CSF analysis.

Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 22nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.