RESUMO
Introduction: Viral encephalitis accounts for 40-70% of all cases worldwide, central nervous system infections pose a diagnostic challenge because clinical manifestations are not typically pathognomonic for specific pathogens, and a wide range of agents can be causative. The aim: To assess the diagnostic value of intrathecal synthesis of specific antibodies in patients with inflammatory lesions of the central nervous system. Material and methods: Within the framework of the study, two groups of 90 people in each were formed from the patients with neuroinfections admitted to our Center. Intrathecal synthesis (ITS) of total (unspecific) IgG in members of one of group (group of compare) was determined. Brain synthesis of specific antibodies (Ab) to some neurotropic pathogens (herpes simplex virus 1/2, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, varicella zoster virus, rubella virus, Borrelies) was studied in the second group of patients (group of interest). There were no statistically significant differences between groups by gender and age. Encephalitis and encephalomyelitis prevailed among patients of both groups. Results: ITS of total IgG was established in 30 (33.3 ± 6.1 %) patients of the first group with IgG index more than 0.6 indicating on inflammatory process in CNS and no marked changes of CSF. ITS of specific Ab was determined in 23 of 90 (25.6 ± 4.6 %) patients included into group of interest. In more than half of cases Ab to several infectious agents were detected simultaneously. ITS of various specificity, in particular, to measles and rubella viruses, and VZV, known as MRZ-reaction, is characteristic of some autoimmune lesions of CNS, multiple sclerosis first of all. In fact, further research of 5 patients with MRZ-reaction confirmed their autoimmune failure of CNS. Detection of ITS in the CSF samples didn't depend on concentration of specific Ab in serum and CSF and wasn't followed by HEB dysfunctions which were observed with the same frequency in patients with or without ITS (13.0 % and 13.6 % respectively). Conclusions: Specific Ab synthesis to several neurotropic pathogens in the CSF of significant part of examined patients was established. Thus, diagnostic value of ITS of specific immunoglobulins seems to be limited to cases in which autoimmune damage of the CNS is suspected.
