Developed by Sunnyvale, California-based Cepheid company, it is the first fully-automated medical diagnostic test that works by isolating viral genetic material present in a patient's cerebrospinal fluid by a process called reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.
The test is successful in the detection of infection resulting from a class of viruses known as Enterovirus, which are responsible for approximately 90 percent of all viral meningitis cases.
Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges which are the membranes that cover the brain and spine. Most cases of meningitis are caused by microorganisms spread into the blood and into the cerebrospinal fluid.
Non-infectious causes include cancers and certain drugs. Although the most common cause of meningitis is viral, bacterial meningitis (the second most frequent cause) can be very serious and life-threatening. Anyone suspected of having meningitis should have prompt medical evaluation as it can affect anyone in any age group, from the newborn to the elderly.
Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency and has a high mortality rate if untreated. All suspected cases, however mild, need emergency medical attention. It can lead to brain damage, hearing loss and even death if not treated. However, patients with viral meningitis can recover on their own within two weeks.
