CNS Infections

Widening the net to capture elusive pathogens

Central nervous system infections, such as meningitis and encephalitis, can be devastating for affected patients. While specific treatments are available for some of these infections, it first requires identifying the precise cause of infection. To meet that need, Mayo Clinic Laboratories has developed a metagenomics assay that can identify more than 1,000 pathogenic organisms in cerebrospinal fluid. The innovative assay, which uses an approach known as shotgun metagenomic sequencing, is one of the only such tests currently available.

By Barbara J. Toman • June 3, 2024
Multiplex PCR for Microbial Detection in Spinal Fluid (BIOFIRE FILMARRAY Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel)

In this month’s “Hot Topic,” Robin Patel, M.D., discusses the FilmArray meningitis/encephalitis (ME) panel, describing the panel, her experience with it, and an algorithm for its use.

By MCL Education • July 1, 2019