A patient presents with symptoms of bacterial meningitis. A cerebrospinal fluid

Question

A patient presents with symptoms of bacterial meningitis. A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample is taken and has a cloudy appearance. The CSF sample is cultured on blood agar and results in no bacterial growth. What can be concluded from this result?

The patient may be suffering from bacterial or viral meningitis.

The patient is most likely suffering from meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis.

The patient is more likely to be suffering from influenza (flu) rather than meningitis.

The patient is suffering from aseptic meningitis.

The patient does not have bacterial meningitis.

Explanation / Answer

It can be concluded that the patient is suffering from aseptic meningitis. Aseptic meningitis is a condition in which meninges of the brain get inflamed due to infection by micro organisms other than bacteria like the viruses and fungi. Bacteria like Klebsiella pneumonia, Neisseria meningitides, Streptococcus pneumonia cause bacterial meningitis and all these bacteria form colonies on blood agar plate. Since no bacterial growth is observed on blood agar plate, it can be concluded that the meningitis symptoms are not due to bacterial infection. Further, the cloudy appearance of the CSF sample indicates the presence of white blood cells or red blood cells, an increased protein levels and or the presence of micro organisms. Since the patient’s CSF has a cloudy appearance, it indicates inflammation in the brain that could be due to infection with micro organisms other than bacteria as the test for bacteria has been found to be negative for bacterial growth. So, the correct option is option D, and E the patient is suffering from aseptic meningitis and the patient doesnot have bacterial meningitis.

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