What is the typical WBC predominance in CSF during viral infections?

In viral infections, the typical white blood cell (WBC) predominance in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is lymphocytes. This pattern is important for distinguishing viral meningitis from other types of meningitis, particularly bacterial meningitis, which usually shows an increase in neutrophils.

Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that plays a significant role in the immune response against viral pathogens. During a viral infection, the immune system mobilizes lymphocytes to combat the virus, leading to their increased presence in the CSF. This finding is commonly observed in conditions such as viral meningitis or encephalitis, where the CSF profile typically reveals a mild elevation in lymphocyte count along with a lower total WBC count compared to bacterial infections.

While monocytes can also be present during certain viral infections, the hallmark response typically features lymphocytic predominance. Eosinophils are usually associated with allergic reactions or parasitic infections rather than viral ones. Thus, recognizing lymphocytic predominance in the context of viral infections aids in diagnosing and managing these conditions effectively.