What CSF profile is typical of viral meningitis?

What CSF profile is typical of viral meningitis?

• A. Elevated WBC with neutrophil predominance
• B. Elevated WBC with lymphocytic predominance
• C. Normal CSF
• D. Elevated erythrocyte count in CSF

Answer: (B)

Viral meningitis typically causes a CSF pleocytosis with lymphocytes predominating. The immune response to viruses tends to recruit lymphocytes rather than neutrophils, so you see an elevated white cell count in the CSF with a predominance of lymphocytes. Protein may be mildly elevated, and glucose is usually normal. This profile fits the viral pattern best. If the WBCs were dominated by neutrophils, that would suggest bacterial meningitis. A normal CSF would argue against meningitis, and an elevated erythrocyte count in CSF would point to hemorrhage or a traumatic tap rather than meningitis.

Viral meningitis typically causes a CSF pleocytosis with lymphocytes predominating. The immune response to viruses tends to recruit lymphocytes rather than neutrophils, so you see an elevated white cell count in the CSF with a predominance of lymphocytes. Protein may be mildly elevated, and glucose is usually normal. This profile fits the viral pattern best.

If the WBCs were dominated by neutrophils, that would suggest bacterial meningitis. A normal CSF would argue against meningitis, and an elevated erythrocyte count in CSF would point to hemorrhage or a traumatic tap rather than meningitis.