Study of cerebrospinal fluid levels of lactate, lactate dehydrogenase and adenosine deaminase in the diagnosis and outcome of acute meningitis.

Estimation of CSF lactate, LDH, and ADA levels is a rapid, inexpensive and simple procedure and can play a major role in the early differentiation of bacterial, viral, tuberculous, and fungal meningitis. This would facilitate the initiation of appropriate treatment as early as possible, thereby decreasing mortality and complications.