Bacterial and/or viral infection of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can be life threatening, with immunocompromised and young

patients particularly vulnerable. These patients are susceptible to a wide array of infections with bacterial infection observed in the majority of acute meningitis cases. Meningitis and encephalitis must be treated quickly and effectively to prevent deterioration in the patient. Viral meningitis is inflammation of the leptomeninges as a manifestation of central nervous system (CNS) infection. Viral names the causative agent, and the term meningitis implies lack of parenchymal and spinal cord involvement (otherwise called encephalitis and myelitis, respectively). Viral meningitis is also often referred to as aseptic meningitis.

Viral csf components:

Glucose (mg/dL): Normal (> 40 mg/dL.)

Protein (mg/dL) <100 mg/dL (moderate increase) WBCs (cells/L) < 100 cells/L. Cell differential: Early: neutrophils. Late: lymphocytes. Culture:Negative Opening Pressure Usually normal