What indicates a parasitic or fungal infection?

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Multiple Choice

What indicates a parasitic or fungal infection?

Eosinophils in the cerebrospinal fluid point to eosinophilic meningitis, most often caused by parasitic (helminth) infections. Eosinophils are drawn to helminth antigens, so finding them in CSF is a strong clue that a parasitic pathogen may be involved. In contrast, neutrophils in CSF are typical of acute bacterial meningitis, lymphocytes suggest viral meningitis, and monocytes can be seen with TB or some fungal infections. While fungal meningitis can present with various cell patterns, eosinophils in CSF most reliably indicate a parasitic process.

Eosinophils in the cerebrospinal fluid point to eosinophilic meningitis, most often caused by parasitic (helminth) infections. Eosinophils are drawn to helminth antigens, so finding them in CSF is a strong clue that a parasitic pathogen may be involved. In contrast, neutrophils in CSF are typical of acute bacterial meningitis, lymphocytes suggest viral meningitis, and monocytes can be seen with TB or some fungal infections. While fungal meningitis can present with various cell patterns, eosinophils in CSF most reliably indicate a parasitic process.

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