Meningitis is characterized by the acute onset of fever and stiff neck. Aseptic meningitis may be caused by a variety of microbial agents. During the initial 24 h of the course of aseptic meningitis, an affected person’s cerebrospinal fluid is characterized by
## **Core Concept**
Aseptic meningitis refers to a clinical syndrome characterized by inflammation of the meninges, typically presenting with fever, headache, and nuchal rigidity, but without the presence of bacterial pathogens in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The condition can be caused by viral, fungal, or parasitic infections, among other non-bacterial etiologies.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
During the initial 24 hours of aseptic meningitis, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) profile often shows a predominance of **polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs)**, even though the condition is typically caused by viral agents. This early predominance of PMNs can sometimes lead to confusion with bacterial meningitis, which is characterized by a PMN predominance as well. However, in aseptic meningitis, the CSF usually later evolves to show a lymphocytic predominance. The CSF in aseptic meningitis typically has a normal glucose level and a mild increase in protein.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** This option is incorrect because, although lymphocytic pleocytosis (an increase in lymphocytes) is a common finding in aseptic meningitis, it is not typically the predominant feature in the CSF during the initial 24 hours.
- **Option B:** This option is incorrect because, while an elevated protein level can be seen in aseptic meningitis, it does not specifically characterize the initial 24-hour CSF profile in terms of cell type.
- **Option C:** This option is incorrect because a decreased glucose level in the CSF is more characteristic of bacterial meningitis due to bacterial consumption of glucose, not aseptic meningitis.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key clinical pearl is that in the early stages of aseptic meningitis, the CSF may show a predominance of **polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs)**, but typically within 24-48 hours, there is a shift to a lymphocytic predominance. This temporal evolution can help differentiate aseptic from bacterial meningitis.
## **Correct Answer:** D. A predominance of polymorphonuclear leukocytes.