Box 2: Results of cerebrospinal fluid analysis
InvestigationResult
Leukocyte count, × 106/L (normal 0–5)0
Glucose level, mmol/L (normal 2.2–4.4)2.8
Protein level, g/L (normal 0.45)0.48
Bacterial cultureNegative
Fungal cultureNegative
Cryptococcal antigenNegative
Syphilis screen (VDRL and FTA-ABS)Negative
Varicella-zoster virus PCRPositive

  • Note: FTA-ABS = fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption, PCR = polymerase chain reaction, VDRL = Venereal Disease Reference Laboratory.