What is a key feature of acute bacterial meningitis seen in cerebrospinal fluid analysis?

A key feature of acute bacterial meningitis in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is high opening pressure. In cases of bacterial meningitis, the inflammatory response leads to increased production of proteins and inflammatory cells in the CSF, resulting in elevated opening pressure when a lumbar puncture is performed.

This rise in opening pressure occurs because the infection and inflammation can cause edema and blockage of normal CSF flow, creating a buildup of fluid in the subarachnoid space. High opening pressure is often assessed during a lumbar puncture when the fluid is collected and provides critical information regarding the pathology affecting the central nervous system.

In contrast, normal glucose levels would be more indicative of viral meningitis, as bacterial infections typically cause glucose levels to drop due to the consumption by bacteria and inflammatory cells. Low protein content is not characteristic of bacterial meningitis; rather, protein levels are usually elevated. Lastly, there is a predominance of neutrophils in the CSF during bacterial infections, rather than lymphocytes, which are more prevalent in viral meningitis. Therefore, recognizing high opening pressure during CSF analysis is essential in diagnosing acute bacterial meningitis.