All of the following CSF findings are present in tuberculous meningitis, except:
**Core Concept**
Tuberculous meningitis is a form of central nervous system tuberculosis characterized by inflammation of the meninges due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is crucial in diagnosing this condition. The CSF findings typically include elevated protein levels, decreased glucose levels, and an increased white blood cell count with a lymphocytic predominance.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In tuberculous meningitis, the CSF typically shows a low glucose level due to impaired glucose transport across the blood-brain barrier and increased glucose consumption by inflammatory cells. The protein levels are elevated due to breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, allowing proteins to leak into the CSF. The white blood cell count is increased, with a predominance of lymphocytes, indicating a chronic inflammatory response.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because elevated protein levels are a characteristic finding in tuberculous meningitis, not decreased protein levels. Elevated protein levels indicate breakdown of the blood-brain barrier.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because decreased glucose levels are a characteristic finding in tuberculous meningitis, not increased glucose levels. Impaired glucose transport and increased glucose consumption by inflammatory cells lead to low glucose levels in the CSF.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because an increased white blood cell count with a lymphocytic predominance is a characteristic finding in tuberculous meningitis, not a neutrophilic predominance. Lymphocytes are the predominant cell type in the CSF, indicating a chronic inflammatory response.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In tuberculous meningitis, the CSF analysis may also show the presence of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) or a positive CSF-adenosine deaminase (ADA) test, which can aid in the diagnosis. However, these findings are not as common as the characteristic low glucose, elevated protein, and lymphocytic predominance.
**Correct Answer: D.**