Which CSF pattern suggests aseptic (viral) meningitis?

Which CSF pattern suggests aseptic (viral) meningitis?

• A. High Glucose
• B. Normal Glucose, Normal or Slightly Elevated Protein, High Lymphocytes
• C. Low Glucose
• D. Normal Glucose, Normal Protein

Answer: (B)

The key idea is how CSF findings differentiate types of meningitis. In aseptic (viral) meningitis, the glucose level stays normal, protein is normal to only mildly elevated, and there is a lymphocytic predominance among the white cells. This combination contrasts with bacterial meningitis, which typically shows low glucose, high protein, and neutrophil predominance, and with TB or fungal causes, which often have low glucose and higher protein with lymphocytes. So the pattern of normal glucose, normal or slightly elevated protein, and high lymphocytes best points to aseptic meningitis.

The key idea is how CSF findings differentiate types of meningitis. In aseptic (viral) meningitis, the glucose level stays normal, protein is normal to only mildly elevated, and there is a lymphocytic predominance among the white cells. This combination contrasts with bacterial meningitis, which typically shows low glucose, high protein, and neutrophil predominance, and with TB or fungal causes, which often have low glucose and higher protein with lymphocytes. So the pattern of normal glucose, normal or slightly elevated protein, and high lymphocytes best points to aseptic meningitis.