Increased cerebrospinal fluid free amino acid concentrations in children with bacterial meningitis

19 free amino acids were measured by Durrum high pressure chromatography in the cerebrospinal fluid of 19 children, 9 with and 10 without bacterial meningitis. Each of the amino acids, except for gamma-amino butyric acid, was significantly increased in meningitis. Values were elevated upon admission of these patients to the hospital, but the highest concentration for most of the amino acids was noted in specimens collected 24-48 h after initiation of antibiotic treatment. Upon the completion of successful antibiotic therapy, the amino acid concentrations returned to normal or near normal levels.