Yes, based on the provided reference, patients with bacterial meningitis tend to have significantly higher White Blood Cell (WBC) counts.
Understanding the Link Between WBC and Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This inflammation is often caused by an infection, typically bacterial or viral.
- How WBCs Respond: When an infection occurs, the body's immune system mobilizes white blood cells (WBCs) to fight the infection. Therefore, elevated WBC counts are often seen in infections such as meningitis.
Key Findings From the Reference
The reference provided clearly states that:
- Patients with proven bacterial meningitis have a significantly higher WBC count (p < 0.001) compared to those without bacterial meningitis.
- This also correlates with higher PMN count in CSF and lower CSF sugar levels.
Comparison Table: Meningitis vs. No Meningitis
| Feature | Bacterial Meningitis | No Bacterial Meningitis |
|---|---|---|
| WBC Count | Significantly Higher | Lower |
| CSF Sugar | Lower | Higher |
| PMN Count of CSF | Significantly Higher | Lower |
Important Note
It's important to note that while elevated WBC counts are associated with meningitis, they are not exclusively indicative of meningitis. Elevated WBCs can be present in other inflammatory and infectious conditions. However, according to the reference, a significantly elevated count is strongly associated with the presence of bacterial meningitis when compared to the group that does not have bacterial meningitis.
Therefore, the reference supports that a high WBC count in the cerebrospinal fluid is a key indicator in the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis.
