Analysis of CSF by cytological evaluation: An Early and A cost effective diagnosis of meningitis

Anand Ashok Bhosale; SIthy Athiya Munavarah; N Jeybalan

Volume : VIII, Issue : II, February - 2019

Analysis of CSF by cytological evaluation: An Early and A cost effective diagnosis of meningitis

Anand Ashok Bhosale, Sithy Athiya Munavarah, N Jeybalan

Abstract :

Introduction: Meningitis is the severe and lethal infection spread worldwide. The most common forms of meningitis are bacterial meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitides and other species. Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is the most lethal form of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, which has a high rate of neurological complications and sequelae. The best method for diagnosis of meningitis is cereospinal fluid analysis (CSF). The purpose of present study is to determine the CSF examination.CSF is a clear body fluid, occupying between arachnoid mater and the pia mater. It is formed in the choroid plexus. Infection of the meninges by various pathogens is termed as meningitis. The etiology of meningitis can be bacterial, tubercular and viral. Differentiating bacterial from non–bacterial types is important in deciding the treatment as bacterial meningitis is more prone for life threatening neurological complications and require immediate parenteral antibiotics as compared to nonbacterial antibiotics. The present study is done to evaluate the cytological findings of CSF, along with the clinical history to classify the various types of meningitis. Methods: The present study has been undertaken in the Department of Pathology, Karpaga Vinayaga Hospital, for a period of one year. Lumbar puncture was performed. The direct cell count was done manually using Improved Neubauer counting chamber. Sediment smears were done and stained with Haematoxylin & Eosin, Giemsa stain and special stains like India ink as and when requiredResults: The total body fluids evaluated during the study period were 364. CSF accounted for 72 samples. The range of age group varied, between new–borns to 80 years of age. Out of 72 cases of CSF fluid, 60 were normal, 9 were viral, one bacterial and two cases of Cryptococci. The cell count results were correlated with glucose and protein values accordingly. Conclusion: This study makes an effort to use the cost effective diagnostic procedure to enable early diagnosis and prompt management, which in turn reduces mortality.