Which CSF profile is most typical of viral meningitis?

Which CSF profile is most typical of viral meningitis?

• A. Opening pressure normal; WBC < 1000/µL; glucose normal
• B. Opening pressure > 300 mmH2O; WBC > 1000/µL; glucose < 40 mg/dL
• C. Opening pressure normal; WBC > 1000/µL; glucose < 40 mg/dL
• D. Opening pressure elevated; WBC < 100; glucose > 60 mg/dL

Answer: (A)

Viral meningitis typically shows a CSF profile with normal opening pressure, only a modest increase in white blood cells (usually under 1000/µL) often with a lymphocytic predominance, and normal glucose. This combination matches the described pattern of opening pressure being normal, WBC under 1000/µL, and glucose normal. Higher opening pressure with a WBC count over 1000 and low glucose points toward bacterial meningitis, where the pressure is often raised and glucose is consumed by bacteria and inflammatory cells. A very high WBC count with normal opening pressure but low glucose is less typical for viral etiologies and suggests other infections or inflammatory processes.

Viral meningitis typically shows a CSF profile with normal opening pressure, only a modest increase in white blood cells (usually under 1000/µL) often with a lymphocytic predominance, and normal glucose. This combination matches the described pattern of opening pressure being normal, WBC under 1000/µL, and glucose normal.

Higher opening pressure with a WBC count over 1000 and low glucose points toward bacterial meningitis, where the pressure is often raised and glucose is consumed by bacteria and inflammatory cells. A very high WBC count with normal opening pressure but low glucose is less typical for viral etiologies and suggests other infections or inflammatory processes.