Improving the Diagnosis and Clinical Outcomes of Meningitis and Encephalitis with Multiplex Real-Time PCR Panel Tests: Interviews with Four Key Opinion Leaders
Meningitis and encephalitis are serious diseases associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in vaccines and other preventative measures, meningitis remains a global public health challenge. Prompt and accurate diagnosis of meningitis and encephalitis are essential to allow early implementation of targeted therapy to minimise the risks of long-term disability and death. Conventional methods for the diagnosis of meningitis and encephalitis include brain imaging combined with evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by microscopy (using different staining procedures), cytochemical analysis, culture, and antigen detection; however, these diagnostic approaches have limitations.