CSF Findings in Aseptic vs. Bacterial Meningitis

Cerebrospinal fluid findings in patients with aseptic meningitis classically are described as elevated white blood cell counts with a predominance of lymphocytes, but polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells may predominate early in the course of the disease. Researchers reviewed all cases of meningitis at their Pittsburgh hospital over a 5-year period and compared CSF findings in aseptic and bacterial cases.

Of 158 cases identified, 138 met the predefined criteria for aseptic meningitis and 20 were classified as bacterial meningitis. Patient age ranged from 30 days to 18 years; mean age was similar in the 2 groups. CSF findings showed a higher total mean WBC count in bacterial than aseptic cases (3462 vs. 391 cells/mm³; P<0.0001) and a higher percenta…