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Enteroviral meningitis — SCE Neurology MCQ

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HardCNS InfectionsEnteroviral meningitisSCE Neurology

A local virology laboratory detects enterovirus RNA in the CSF of an adult with aseptic meningitis. The clinician and public-health team want strain identification for surveillance. Which laboratory pathway is most appropriate?

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Correct answer: B — Refer retained PCR-positive material to the UKHSA Enterovirus Unit for molecular typing

Local laboratories commonly diagnose enterovirus infection with a generic PCR. The UKHSA Enterovirus Unit can then molecularly characterise suitable positive specimens, including CSF and other clinical materials such as faeces, respiratory samples, blood or tissue. Preserving and referring the original positive material maximises the chance of typing and supports surveillance. Serology does not replace molecular characterisation, bacterial 16S PCR addresses a different question, and discarding the positive specimen prevents useful follow-on work.

Reference: UKHSA, Enterovirus: summary of strain characterisation: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/enterovirus-strain-characterisation/enterovirus-summary-of-strain-characterisation