Evaluation of hematological, serum biochemical and cerebrospinal fluid parameters in experimental bacterial meningitis in the calf.

Abstract

To evaluate the effects of bacterial meningitis on blood and CSF parameters, an experiment was conducted with five Iranian crossbred male calves. Blood and CSF samples were collected 3 times within a 5-day interval before the administration of bacteria for obtaining control values. Following the injection of E. coli, K12 into the cerebrospinal fluid from the lumbosacral space, samples were collected and clinical signs of meningitis were observed. Blood and CSF samples were obtained from the meningitis group 3 times at 1, 3, and 5 days post injection. The treatment of the infected calves using lincospectin and tetracycline was carried out immediately after the onset of clinical signs. After the treatment, blood and CSF samples were obtained 3 times during a 5-day period. Following the induction of meningitis, the number of WBCs, neutrophils, eosinophils and monocytes significantly increased (P < 0.05). However, the percent of lymphocytes decreased significantly (P < 0.05). The concentrations of glucose, potassium and activity of AST, LDH, CK significantly increased (P < 0.05). In contrast, the concentrations of phosphorous, sodium and magnesium significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, following the induction of meningitis, the CSF was slightly xantochromic and turbid. The concentrations of protein, cholesterol, phosphorous, potassium, the activities of AST, LDH, CK, and the cell numbers in the CSF increased significantly (P < 0.05). In contrast, the concentration of glucose and pH in the CSF decreased significantly (P < 0.05). This study showed that bacterial meningitis can have profound effects on blood and CSF parameters which enable one to reach diagnosis.