Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

In viral meningitis, the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) commonly reveals certain characteristic changes. The correct answer describes an increase in lymphocytes, which indicates an immune response typical of viral infections. Additionally, CSF pressure may be normal or even slightly increased, reflecting the inflammation present.

The protein levels in the CSF may be normal or increased, but in the context of viral meningitis, they tend to remain within normal limits or have only a moderate elevation when compared to bacterial meningitis, where protein levels are significantly higher. Sugar levels usually remain normal in viral meningitis, as the viral agents don't consume glucose in the same way as bacterial infections do.

This particular profile helps to differentiate viral meningitis from other types, especially bacterial meningitis, where the CSF findings would show more distinct abnormalities such as high protein levels, low glucose levels, and a predominance of neutrophils rather than lymphocytes. Understanding these typical findings aids in rapid diagnosis and appropriate management of viral meningitis.