A lumbar puncture is essential for the diagnosis of fungal meningitis and initiation of the appropriate treatment. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a patient having fungal meningitis is distinguished by the presence of lymphocytosis, low glucose level and high proteins level. Specific CSF stains and cultures as well as serologies help in determining the specific nature of the causative fungi.
Biopsy of skin lesions, chest radiography, ophthalmologic examination, computed tomography or MRI of the brain, in addition to cultures of CSF, blood, and sputum, may provide essential diagnostic clues.
Fungal meningitis laboratory findings
Viral meningitis laboratory findings
Bacterial meningitis laboratory findings
Tuberculous meningitis laboratory findings
Viral encephalitis laboratory findings
Fungal meningitis physical examination
Viral meningitis physical examination
Bacterial meningitis physical examination