Cytopathogenic cerebrospinal fluid from neurological and psychiatric patients.

Cerebrospinal fluids (CSFs) were examined for the presence of a cytopathogenic component by an in vitro assay. No abnormal proteins were detected in CSF which produced cytopathic effects. The cytopathic effect was associated with high-molecular-weight material which was resistant to enzyme treatment. The effect persisted after extensive ultraviolet irradiation. The presence of the cytopathic effect was associated with increased CSF enolase levels.