Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis without pleocytosis of the cerebrospinal fluid

Am J Emerg Med. 2016 May;34(5):941.e1-2. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2015.10.019. Epub 2015 Oct 23.

Abstract

Pleocytosis of the cerebrospinal fluid is a key finding for the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis presenting in normal cerebrospinal fluid is rare in adult patients. We describe the case of a patient with pneumococcal meningitis without cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis. This case suggests that immediate antibiotic therapy should be started when meningitis is suspected, even with normal cerebrospinal fluid findings. (See Figure.)

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Humans
  • Leukocytosis / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Leukocytosis / etiology
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Pneumococcal / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Meningitis, Pneumococcal / complications
  • Meningitis, Pneumococcal / diagnosis*