Table 9 Typical CSF findings in acute and subacute phases of viral CNS infections
From: S1 guidelines “lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid analysis” (abridged and translated version)
Parameter | Findings (diagnostic LP (days 1-7), before therapy) | Findings (follow-up LP (days > 10-14), during therapy) |
|---|---|---|
CSF appearance | clear | clear |
Cell count (Leukocytes/μL) | 5 – 1000 | << 1000 |
Differential cell count | lymphomonocytic, in initial phase (days 1-3) small fraction of neutrophils | lymphomonocytic |
Albumin ratio (L/S × 10−3) | < 20 | < 10 |
Intrathecal Ig-Synthesis | No | Yes |
Total protein (mg/L) | < 1000 | << 1000 |
Lactate (mmol/L) | < 3.5 | < 3.5 |
PCR in CSF | positive | negative |
Antibody index | Not detectable or < 1.5 | > 1.4 |