Value of multiplex PCR using cerebrospinal fluid for the diagnosis of ventriculostomy-related meningitis in neurosurgery patients.

Purpose This prospective observational cohort study assessed the use of a multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay alone and in conjunction with biomarkers for the diagnosis of ventriculostomy-related meningitis in neurosurgery intensive care unit (ICU) patients with external ventricular drainage (EVD).