High neutrophils in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) often indicate an infection or inflammation within the central nervous system, especially in infants and children.
Here's a breakdown:
- Neutrophils Defined: Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that the body uses to fight infection. They are a key part of the immune system.
- CSF and Infection: CSF is the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. A healthy CSF sample typically contains very few, if any, neutrophils.
- High Neutrophils in CSF: Elevated levels of neutrophils in the CSF usually suggest the body is responding to an infection or inflammatory process within the central nervous system.
Possible Causes of High Neutrophils in CSF
While infection is the most common cause, high neutrophils in CSF can also indicate:
- Bacterial Meningitis: This is a serious infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord and often leads to a high neutrophil count.
- Viral Meningitis: Viral infections can also cause an increase in neutrophils, although bacterial infections typically result in much higher counts.
- Fungal Meningitis: Less common, but possible, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Brain Abscess: A collection of pus within the brain tissue.
- Non-infectious Inflammation: Certain inflammatory conditions, like autoimmune diseases, can also lead to neutrophil elevation.
- Focal and Bacteremic Infections: In infants and children, the presence of more than 10% neutrophils in CSF warrants investigations for these types of infections, even without confirmed central nervous system infection (according to the provided reference).
Importance of Evaluation
Because high neutrophils in CSF can signify serious infections, particularly bacterial meningitis, prompt evaluation is crucial. This often includes:
- Further CSF Analysis: Including cultures to identify any bacteria, viruses, or fungi present.
- Blood Tests: To look for systemic infection.
- Imaging Studies: Such as CT scans or MRIs, to visualize the brain and spinal cord and identify any abscesses or other abnormalities.
Neutrophils in CSF of Infants and Children
Infants and children with more than 10% neutrophils in their CSF require evaluations for focal and bacteremic infections according to the reference. Cytocentrifugation allows the identification of neutrophils in the CSF, even in the absence of central nervous system infection.
