MCQ – 89176

A 40-year male had headaches and nuchal rigidity. CSF pressure, protein, and sugar are normal. It shows 50 lymphocytes/ cu.mm. What is the diagnosis?

Correct Answer � B Explanation

Ans. B

CSF findings of viral meningitis:

• Pleocytosis: lymphocytic
• Normal or slightly elevated protein concentration 20–80 mg/dl
• Normal glucose concentration
• Normal or mildly elevated opening pressure
• Organisms are not seen on Gram’s stain of CSF.

In tubercular meningitis, there is elevated protein along with lymphocytic pleocytosis.

In bacterial meningitis, glucose is reduced, protein is elevated and PMN leukocytosis is present.