A 28-year-old male develops ascending symmetrical flaccid paralysis and hyporeflexia 2 weeks after a diarrheal illness. What cerebrospinal fluid finding is characteristic?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Elevated protein with normal white cell count
- Step 1: Acute progressive ascending symmetrical motor weakness and areflexia following Campylobacter jejuni enteritis indicates Guillain-Barre syndrome.
- Step 2: Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid characteristically demonstrates albuminocytological dissociation, defined by elevated protein with a normal leukocyte count.
Answer
Elevated protein with normal white cell count.
Why not the others: Marked neutrophilic pleocytosis with low glucose is classic for acute purulent bacterial meningitis. Lymphocytic pleocytosis is seen in viral meningoencephalitis and neuroborreliosis. Elevated red blood cells indicate traumatic lumbar puncture or subarachnoid hemorrhage.
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