Browsing by Author "Stanley, Alan Michael"

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    The utility of CSF PCR in central nervous system Varicella zoster infection in HIV
    (2015) Stanley, Alan Michael; Bryer, Alan; Bateman, Kathleen
    Aims: To assess the clinical and cerebrospinal fluid characteristics, and the role of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) as a confounder, in a cohort of HIV positive individuals with positive varicella zoster virus (VZV) positive cerebrospinal fluid PCR. Methods: Patients in the NHLS database at Groote Schuur Hospital with positive CSF VZV PCR who were also HIV co-infected and whose folders were available for clinical review were reviewed. Clinical and biochemical data were collected. Patients were divided into two groups based an accepted case definition for TBM. Differences between groups were assessed using Mann-Whitney U or Chi squared tests as appropriate. Results: There were 437 for VZV PCR over three years. Of these 98 were positive and, after exclusions, 31 HIV positive patients were included for further analysis. Median age was 31 and median CD4 count was 146 cells/mm³. 11 (35%) had meningitis and 8 (25%) had encephalitis. 13 (42%) met the case definition for TBM. Patients with CNS varicella were frequently confused whereas those with TBM presented sub-acutely. There were no differences in CSF characteristics. Additional organisms were detected 6 (19%) patients. 4 (13%) patients died in hospital. CSF TB culture was requested in 24 (77%) patients and extra CNS samples were sent in only 4 patients. Conclusion: The clinical and CSF presentation of CNS Varicella and TBM overlap and in this cohort patients were under investigated for TB. In settings of high TB prevalence the possibility of false positive PCR or incidental varicella reactivation should be considered.