Diagnosed Tuberculous Meningitis Using Cerebrospinal Fluid Polymerase Chain Reaction in Patients Hospitalized With the Diagnosis of Meningitis in Referral Hospitals in Isfahan



Shirani K¹ ; Talaei Z² ; Yaran M³ ; Ataei B⁴ ; Mehrabikoushki A⁵ ; Khorvash F¹
Source: Journal of Research in Medical Sciences Published:2015

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the leading infectious diseases throughout the world. Among various forms of extrapulmonary TB, tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is the most severe form and remains a major global health problem with a high mortality rate. Our study was designed to evaluate tuberculous polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive rate in patients who present with fairly long symptoms of meningitis. Materials and Methods: The 162 Patients with an indolent onset of symptoms compatible with central nervous system infection were admitted. Sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was evaluated for biochemistry and tuberculous real-time PCR. Data analyzed by Student’s t-test and Fisher’s test. Results: Patients were mostly male (69.8%), with a median age of 43.69 ± 22.67 years. CSF real-time PCR results in 6 patients (3.7%) were positive for tuberculous DNA. Of these 6 patients, 4 of whom were men and two of whom were women. In other words, the frequency of positive tuberculous DNA was in male 5.3% and female 1.4%, respectively. Conclusion: Given that we live in Iran and in the vicinity of the tuberculous endemic countries, if we face a meningitis case with lasting symptoms and tendency to be chronic, TBM should be considered. © 2015, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.