[Changes in cerebrospinal fluid in patients with tuberculosis of the central nervous system]

The aim of the study was to analyze the parameters of the cerebrospinal fluid in patients with tuberculosis of the central nervous system confirmed by culture or molecular methods, in comparison to patients without such confirmation. The analysis of medical documentation of 13 patients with CNS tuberculosis, 10 male and 3 female who were hospitalized at the Clinic of Infectious Diseases in Kraków in years 2001-2006 was performed. Following parameters of the cerebrospinal fluid were taken into account in both groups of patients: cytologic analysis, protein, glucose and chloride concentration. Statistical analysis was done using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. The only parameter for which statistically significant difference between the two groups of patients was found was the level of glucose in CSF (p<0.05). Lower glucose concentration was observed in the group with etiologically confirmed CNS tuberculosis. Moreover additional localisation of tuberculosis was observed in this group of patients. Introduction of the molecular biology methods in diagnosis allowed to detect the etiologic factor more often.