The use of cerebrospinal fluid lactate determination in the diagnosis of meningitis.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate concentrations were determined by gas chromatograpy in 62 samples from 51 patients (14 without meningitis, 26 with viral meningitis, and 11 with bacterial meningitis). This was useful in making an aetiological diagnosis in cases of meningitis and in monitoring response to therapy.