infections
West Nile Virus Infection
Diagnosis of West Nile Virus Infection
Blood tests A spinal tap West Nile virus infection is suspected in people who have typical symptoms (especially those suggesting Viral Meningitis or a brain infection). To diagnose West Nile virus, doctors may do blood tests for West Nile virus-specific antibodies. ( Antibodies are proteins produced by the If people have symptoms of meningitis, a Spinal Tap (lumbar puncture) is done to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for analysis. (Cerebrospinal fluid is the fluid that flows through the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord.) A sample of cerebrospinal fluid is sent to a laboratory to be tested for West Nile virus-specific antibodies. Doctors may use reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to make many copies of the virus's genetic material. This technique enables doctors to rapidly and accurately identify the virus. 