Typical CSF findings
| Parameter | Bacterial | Viral |
|---|---|---|
|
(predominantly neutrophils) |
Elevated (predominantly lymphocytes, although neutrophils may be predominant early in illness) |
|
Protein |
Elevated |
Normal or elevated |
Glucose |
Reduced |
Normal (can be reduced in 25% of HSV cases) |
CSF:serum glucose ratio |
<0.4 |
>0.6 |