How is an infection indicated in the CSF finding?
Presence of Leucocytes is tipically, all though in an HIV with a CD count less than 300, its posible not to find them because of a poor immune response. The apereance of the CDF, its helpfull, a turbulent apereance is related to bacteria present, accompanied of presence of low glucose in it. Proteins are elevated in meningitis, a bit if its viral (50-100) and a lot if its bacteria (100-1000) Another test its the preasure, that is elevated in bacterial meningitis
Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear fluid surrounding the brain and the spinal cord. It is collected via a lumbar puncture under sterile conditions. CSF is analyzed to confirm certain diseases. Common tests performed on CSF include protein and glucose levels, cell counts and differential count, microscopic examination, stains, and cultures. CSF may also be tested for glutamine, lactate dehydrogenase, lactic acid, tumor markers and C-reactive proteins. A rise in the number of white blood cells is an indication of infection, rarely of leukemic infiltration. Bacterial infections are associated with an increased amount of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, however, many viral infections such as meningitis and encephalitis also show a high percentage of PMNs in the acute phases of illness. Moreover, any kind of inflammation can raise the WBC count.
Low level of glucose less then 40-70 mg/DL or findings of turbid in gross can indicate meningitis bacterial infaction.