Differences between bacterial meningitis and viral encephalitis
Disease description:
Nowadays, more and more people are affected by environmental and various other factors. I would like to inquire about the differences between bacterial meningitis and viral encephalitis.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guan Yanlei
The pathogens causing viral encephalitis differ from those causing purulent encephalitis. Viral encephalitis is primarily caused by various viral infections, whereas purulent encephalitis is mainly due to intracranial inflammation resulting from bacterial infections. Moreover, in viral encephalitis, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) appears clear, with cell counts ranging from zero to several hundred, predominantly lymphocytes, and normal levels of glucose and protein. In contrast, in purulent encephalitis, the CSF appears cloudy, with a marked increase in total white blood cell count, predominantly neutrophils, and significantly reduced glucose levels.
