Paper I
Question
CSF findings in pyogenic meningitis
Answer
CSF findings in pyogenic (bacterial) meningitis
- Appearance: Cloudy/turbid, purulent
- Cell count: Markedly elevated (often >1000 cells/µL)
- Predominant cell type: Neutrophils (polymorphonuclear pleocytosis)
- Protein: Markedly elevated
- Glucose: Markedly reduced (CSF:blood glucose ratio typically <0.4)
- Gram stain/culture: Often positive, identifying the causative organism (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae depending on age group)
- Opening pressure: Elevated
- Additional tests: Bacterial antigen detection tests, blood cultures often also positive