Cerebrospinal fluid lactic acid concentration in bacterial meningitis

Lactic acid concentration was determined in 37 specimens of cerebrospinal fluid by gas liquid chromatography. It was found to be raised (30 mg/dl) in 15 specimens from culture positive cases of bacterial meningitis and one of fungal meningitis. It was < 30 mg/dl in cerebrospinal fluid from four cases of viral meningoencephalitis and 10 contaminated specimens. It was also raised in two specimens from culture negative cases. Determination of cerebrospinal fluid lactic acid concentration by gas liquid chromatography provides a useful, additional test in the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis