Viral loads of cerebrospinal fluid in infants with enterovirus meningitis

Abstract
For a better understanding of the role of the viral load, free radicals, and cytokines in viral meningitis, we surveyed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained from patients below 1 year of age who showed positive for enterovirus. In their first examinations interleukin (IL)‐6 and free radicals increased whereas pleocytosis was rarely observed. IL‐6 decreased within the short period. Viral loads and free radicals increased simultaneously. IL‐6 and free radicals of CSF are helpful for diagnosis and treatment of viral meningitis at an early stage. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 22:216–219, 2008.