Medicine
Interpretation of Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis in Acute Meningitis
Quick fact
In bacterial meningitis, CSF glucose is often less than 40% of blood glucose, whereas in viral meningitis it is usually normal—this simple ratio is one of the most reliable indicators for distinguishing bacterial from viral causes.
Why this is interesting
The same fluid called cerebrospinal fluid can look like a milky orange juice in one patient and as clear as water in another—yet both might be admitted with 'meningitis.' How do doctors tell them apart?