The Potential Contribution of the Polymerase Chain Reaction to the Diagnosis of Tuberculous Meningitis

Abstract

Many patients who respond to treatment for TBM do not have M tuberculosis in the CSF identifiable by microscopy, PCR, or culture. Polymerase chain reaction on CSF is the best method for the laboratory diagnosis of TBM. Polymerase chain reaction is especially useful for the early diagnosis of TBM in those without active extraneural tuberculosis.