Which of the following best describes the findings in bacterial meningitis on lumbar puncture?

In cases of bacterial meningitis, the findings obtained from a lumbar puncture are typically characterized by an increase in neutrophils, a decrease in glucose levels, and an increase in protein concentration.

The presence of elevated neutrophils indicates a strong inflammatory response to the bacterial infection, as neutrophils are the primary white blood cells that respond to bacterial pathogens. A reduced glucose level in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) occurs because bacteria consume glucose as they multiply, resulting in lower levels available in the CSF. Additionally, the protein concentration tends to be elevated due to the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier and the immune response, which allows more proteins to enter the CSF.

These specific findings differentiate bacterial meningitis from viral meningitis or other types of CNS infections, where the cell counts and glucose levels would present differently. Understanding these typical CSF profiles is crucial for clinicians in diagnosing the type of meningitis and initiating prompt treatment.