From the Guidelines
The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) profile in Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is typically characterized by a pleocytosis with a lymphocytic or neutrophilic predominance, with a cell count usually less than 100 cells/μL.
Key Features of CSF Profile in RMSF
- Cell count: usually less than 100 cells/μL, with either a lymphocytic or neutrophilic predominance 1
- Protein levels: moderately elevated, typically in the range of 100-200 mg/dL 1
- Glucose levels: usually within the normal range 1 It is essential to distinguish RMSF from other infections, such as meningococcal meningitis, which can present with similar symptoms 1. However, the CSF profile in RMSF is generally distinct from that of meningococcal meningitis, which often features a neutrophilic pleocytosis, very low glucose levels, and gram-negative diplococci on Gram stain 1.
From the Research
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Profile in Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF)
- The CSF profile in RMSF may include:
- These findings are consistent with meningoencephalitis, a known complication of RMSF 3
- The presence of these CSF abnormalities can support the diagnosis of RMSF, particularly in patients with compatible clinical and epidemiological features 5, 6
- It is essential to consider RMSF in the differential diagnosis of patients with fever, headache, and exposure to ticks, even in the absence of a rash 5, 6