48489135-794f-42d8-8089-9c43e45460d0.jpeg
Answer very short and important
1. Type of Meningitis: Viral (Aseptic) Meningitis
Key clues:
- Clear CSF, no xanthochromia
- Normal protein & glucose
- Lymphocytic pleocytosis (100 cells/cu.mm, predominantly lymphocytes)
- No organisms on Gram stain
- Acute onset in a child
2. Other Agents Causing Viral Meningitis:
| Agent | Notes |
|---|---|
| Enteroviruses (Echovirus, Coxsackievirus) | Most common cause overall |
| Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-2) | Important treatable cause |
| Mumps virus | Pre-vaccine era common cause |
| HIV | Acute seroconversion meningitis |
| Arboviruses (West Nile, Japanese Encephalitis) | Vector-borne |
| Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV) | Rodent exposure |
| Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) | Reactivation or primary |
| Adenovirus | Immunocompromised hosts |
3. Storage and Transport of CSF Sample:
- Do NOT refrigerate - organisms like Neisseria meningitidis and S. pneumoniae are cold-sensitive and die at 4°C
- Store and transport at 37°C (body temperature) or room temperature
- Transport immediately to the lab - ideally within 15-30 minutes
- Use sterile leak-proof containers (3 tubes collected sequentially)
- Tube 1: Biochemistry (protein, glucose)
- Tube 2: Microbiology (culture, Gram stain)
- Tube 3: Cytology (cell count)
- If delay is unavoidable, keep at room temperature, never in the fridge
- Blood glucose must be collected simultaneously for CSF:serum glucose ratio
Short
1. Type: Viral (Aseptic) Meningitis
- Clear CSF, normal protein/glucose, lymphocytic pleocytosis, no organisms on Gram stain
2. Other Viral Agents:
- Enteroviruses (most common)
- HSV-2, Mumps, HIV, VZV, Arboviruses, LCMV
3. CSF Storage & Transport:
- Never refrigerate (kills N. meningitidis, S. pneumoniae)
- Keep at room temperature / 37°C
- Send to lab within 15-30 minutes immediately
- Sterile leak-proof container
This is a shared conversation. Sign in to Orris to start your own chat.