title: Enterovirus-specific IgM in the diagnosis of meningitis.
abstract: Samples of serum from 557 patients with a clinical diagnosis of meningitis or encephalitis and referred to the Epsom Public Health Laboratory during a period of 3 years were tested for enterovirus-specific IgM in a mu capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Enterovirus-specific IgM was detected in 45% samples from all age groups. In the 3-5-year age group, 67% specimens were positive. A notable male predominance (73%) was seen in the age group 0-15 years. As predicted, a seasonal increase in incidence was found in the summer and autumn months. Data from a questionnaire sent to the referring laboratories showed only a 5% enterovirus isolation rate from cerebrospinal fluids when isolation of a virus was attempted. The enterovirus IgM ELISA is a sensitive economical and rapid method for use in the diagnosis of viral meningitis.
authors.affiliation: Public Health Laboratory, West Park Hospital, Epsom, Surry, U.K.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Day
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cumming
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Walker
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004770:Enterovirus / Q000276:immunology*; D029822:Enterovirus B, Human / Q000276:immunology*; D004769:Enterovirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis*; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008587:Meningitis, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012621:Seasons; D012737:Sex Factors
chemical_list: D007075:Immunoglobulin M