infections
Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis
Diagnosis of Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis
A spinal tap Blood tests and culture Lymphocytic choriomeningitis is suspected in people who have typical symptoms (especially those suggesting Viral Meningitis or a brain infection) and who have been exposed to rodents. 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 example, the virus, if present, can be grown ( Doctors also do blood tests to check for antibodies to the virus. ( Antibodies are proteins produced by the 