Which cell type predominates in CSF during viral meningitis?

Which cell type predominates in CSF during viral meningitis?

• A. Lymphocytes
• B. Neutrophils
• C. Eosinophils
• D. Plasma cells

Answer: (D)

Viral meningitis produces a lymphocyte-dominant response in the CSF. The typical CSF picture is a lymphocytic pleocytosis with normal or near-normal glucose and only mildly elevated protein. Plasma cells are not the characteristic predominant cell type in acute viral meningitis; they’re more associated with chronic or other specific CNS conditions. Neutrophils, by contrast, predominate in acute bacterial meningitis, while eosinophils appear with certain parasitic infections or specific reactions.

Viral meningitis produces a lymphocyte-dominant response in the CSF. The typical CSF picture is a lymphocytic pleocytosis with normal or near-normal glucose and only mildly elevated protein. Plasma cells are not the characteristic predominant cell type in acute viral meningitis; they’re more associated with chronic or other specific CNS conditions. Neutrophils, by contrast, predominate in acute bacterial meningitis, while eosinophils appear with certain parasitic infections or specific reactions.