Enterovirus Detection in Patients Suspected Aseptic Meningitis by RT-PCR in Kermanshah, Iran

Background: Aseptic meningitis is frequently caused by viral agents, particularly human enterovirus. Several methods of Reverse Transcription PCR(RT-PCR) have recently been introduced and modified for better diagnosis of enteroviral infection in meningitis. This study aimed to determine enteroviruses in patients with suspicion of aseptic meningitis using RT-PCR in the West of Iran. Methods: In this study, 120 CSF samples were collected from patients hospitalized with the suspicion of aseptic meningitis in Imam Reza Hospital of Kermanshah, Iran.RT-PCR was used to diagnose enteroviruses. The cDNA recovered from RT-PCR was purified using a DNA purification kit and sequenced to confirm viral genome. Sequence data were analyzed for homology using the Gen Bank database. Results: The samples were collected from 63 (52.5%) men and 57 (47.5%) women with an average age of 31.5 ± 29.4 years. Of the samples tested, 4 cases (3.33%) yielded positive results for enterovirus. The results of sequence data analysis confirmed all positive cases as Enterovirus type 71. The biochemical (protein and glucose) and cytological analyses of positive CSF samples showed no significant changes. Conclusion: According to the results, Enterovirus type 71is one of the common causes of enteroviral meningitis in patients in Kermanshah. The RT-PCR technique can rapidly diagnose Enterovirus type 71 and help better treatment of the patients and prevent the unnecessary use of antibiotics. So, molecular methods can reduce the cost of patients’ treatments and prevent drug resistance among bacteria. It can also provide a better picture of enteroviral infection in our region.