Rapid diagnosis of cytomegalovirus in the cerebrospinal fluid of a patient with AIDS-associated polyradiculopathy.

Polyradiculopathy is an uncommon but serious neurologic disorder that can complicate the course of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. We report a case in which the presence of cytomegalovirus was detected in cerebrospinal fluid by immunoperoxidase staining. In addition, large atypical cells with flocculogranular cytoplasmic inclusions were present. These cells were found to be positive for cytomegalovirus by immunoperoxidase staining. Rapid diagnosis by this method permitted early intervention with ganciclovir.