What are the characteristic CSF findings in bacterial meningitis?

Normal

Bacterial Meningitis

Opening Pressure

5-20

>30

Appearance

Normal

Turbid

Cell Differential

Normal

Neutrophilic (polymorphonuclear) pleocytosis

WCC (per mm³)

<3

>500
(Up to 100,000)

Protein (g/L)

0.2-0.4

>1
High

Glucose-Serum Ratio

0.5-0.66

(2.5-3.5 mmol/L)

<0.4
Low

Lactate

Normal

Elevated

Gram stain

Normal

25-90% positive
Gram Stain

Microscopy & culture

-

60-90% positive

PCR

-

-

Other

-

-