The impact of cerebrospinal fluid viral analysis on empiric antibiotic use in children admitted to Tygerberg Children’s hospital with suspected meningitis

Abstract

Background: Viral meningitis is the most common form of aseptic meningitis and requires minimal investigation and treatment. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has become the ‘gold standard’ for identifying viruses in cerebrospinal fluid and can provide rapid results. The objective of the study was to describe the aetiology and epidemiology of viral meningitis at Tygerberg Children’s Hospital, as well as the impact of a positive cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) viral panel on the duration of empiric antibiotic treatment.