[Diagnostic significance of detecting respiratory virus antigens in cerebrospinal fluid and brain cells].

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 202 patients (114 children and 88 adults) was studied by immunofluorescent techniques. Antigens of respiratory viruses in the CSF were most frequently encountered (22%) in patients with the involvement of the central nervous system (usually meningoencephalitis) in the presence of acute respiratory disease. In lethal outcomes in the same group viral antigens in brain cells were also identified. Clinical and morphological findings suggest that these lesions are infectious-allergic in nature. In rare cases (4%) viral antigens in the CSF and brain cells may also be found in patients with acute respiratory diseases without central nervous system involvement which happens when patients' blood-brain barrier is especially permeable.