SARS-CoV-2 Neurotropism in a 12-Year-Old Filipino Boy with Focal Encephalitis

Finding positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR in cerebrospinal fluid of two pediatric patients with severe COVID-19: a brief case report

“…The CSF analysis was performed on the fourth day of illness, revealing no pleocytosis, and normal protein and glucose levels. The RT-PCR testing of CSF for SARS-CoV-2 was positive [ 18 ]. Considering the scattered reports in this regard, in two literature review by Carrol et al and Siracusa et al only six and two patients with neurological manifestations had positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR in their CSF, respectively [ 19 , 20 ].…”

“…Because the CSF SARS-CoV-2 PCR is impacted by several factors such as rapid CSF clearance, contamination from shed airborne virus or blood, low titers, and pre-analytical errors [ 15 , 21 , 22 ], the results may not always be correct. There is the probability of false positive results for SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing in patients with acellular CSF [ 18 ]. The absence of pleocytosis, especially acellular CSF is atypical in the setting of viral encephalitis.…”

“…The absence of pleocytosis, especially acellular CSF is atypical in the setting of viral encephalitis. Our CSF sampling was performed in the acute phase of the illness, just like other reports [ 17 , 18 ]. However, further studies are needed to determine the time frame of positivity and clearance.…”