TABLE 1.

Results of cell culture and RT-PCR tests for 156 CSF samples from immunocompetent patients included in the prospective study

Neurologic syndrome	No. of CSF specimens	No. negative by all tests	No. positive bya:
			Cell culture and both RT-PCR methods	Both RT-PCR methods	AMPLICOR RT-PCR	In-house RT-PCR
Outbreak-associated AM	50	4	13	30	0b	3b
Sporadic AM	29	25	1	2	0b	1b
Other syndromes	77	77	0	0	0	0

^aAll specimens which yielded positive results by culture were successfully amplified by both RT-PCR methods. 

^bResult(s) confirmed by testing of a new aliquot of CSF by both RT-PCR methods.