Comparison between Cerebrospinal Fluid Concentrations of Glucose, Total Protein, Chloride, Lactate, and Total Amino Acids for the Differential Diagnosis of Patients with Meningitis

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Abstract
The ability of CSF concentrations of glucose, protein Cl-, lactate and total amino acids, and CSF/blood glucose ratio to distinguish bacterial meningitis from aseptic meningitis was compared. Patients with proven bacterial meningitis (56), aseptic meningitis (102), and controls (108) were investigated. On admission CSF lactate determination was the most sensitive and efficient test to distinguish bacterial meningitis from aseptic meningitis. In patients with bacterial meningitis reexamined after 24-48 h of treatment with antibiotics and compared with patients with aseptic meningitis also reexamined 24-48 h after admission, determination of CSF total amino acids was the most sensitive and efficient test.