cerebrospinal fluid in viral meningitis

Last reviewed 06/2021

Features include:

  • pressure may be raised
  • appearance can be clear or cloudy
  • predominant cells are mononuclear 50 to 1500 per cubic mm
  • glucose levels are normal, ie 60% plasma level
  • protein level are less than 1.5 g per litre
  • organisms are not seen in smear or culture