Why is the car glucose levels not low in viral meningitis

Nursing Students NP Students

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Hi all,

The above topic came up in my advanced pathophysiology class and after many hours of reading, I am no more clear on why csf glucose levels do not drop in all viral meningitis, as they do in bacterial meningitis. Everything just says lower csf glucose is an diagnostic differentiator between bacterial and viral meningitis. I'd like to understand the pathophysiology of viral meningitis that does not result in a drop in the csf glucose. If you can explain this or refer me to somewhere that I can read about this, I would so appreciate it!

Thanks!

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Specializes in MICU.

According to my professor during med surg 2, she said it is because bacteria consume glucose to survive. I looked it up on google and it is pretty accurate.

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.
According to my professor during med surg 2, she said it is because bacteria consume glucose to survive. I looked it up on google and it is pretty accurate.

Yep. That's what we were taught as well. The bacteria use the glucose for energy to limit ply. Viruses do not

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