Viral encephalitis laboratory findings

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Template:Encephalitis Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, MBBS [2]; Anthony Gallo, B.S. [3]

Overview

Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the brain, commonly caused by a viral infection. Diagnosis is often made with detection of antibodies against specific viral agent (such as herpes simplex virus) or by polymerase chain reaction that amplifies the RNA or DNA of the virus responsible. Other lab tests that might be useful are complete blood count with differential, coagulation profile, serum electrolyte, urine electrolyte, serum glucose, blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels (to rule out confusion due to dehydration), liver function test (to rule out hepatic involvement), lumbar puncture and CSF examination.

Laboratory Findings

For Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis click here

Herpes Simplex Virus

  • Culture - Herpetic lesion, CSF
  • Tzanck smear

Bacteria

  • Blood culture

Arbovirus

  • Complement fixation antibodies

Epstein-Barr Virus

  • Heterophile antibody & cold agglutinin test

Serological Test

  • For antibody detection

References

Template:WikiDoc Sources