Urinalysis and Body Fluids 6th Edition by Majorie DiLorenzo, Susan Strasinger

Exercise 31

The primary concern when pleocytosis of neutrophils and lymphocytes is found in the CSF is:

A. Meningitis

B. CNS malignancy

C. Multiple sclerosis

D. Hemorrhage

Step 1 of 2

CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) cellular constituents:

Lymphocytes and monocytes are primarily found in normal CSF.

• Increased volume of these normal cells in CSF is called pleocytosis

• When immature eosinophils, plasma cells, leukocytes, macrophages, increased malignant, and tissue cells presence in CSF, it is abnormal

• When pleocytosis associated with lymphocytes or monocytes, and neutrophils are present, the differential count of CSF is often related with its role to provide information about microorganism that causes meningitis

• High volume of lymphocytes and monocytes in increased CSF white blood cell count indicates viral, tubercular, parasitic or fungal meningitis

Therefore, the primary concern of pleocytosis with lymphocytes and neutrophils in CSF is “meningitis”. Hence, the correct answer is option.