Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model
07:26

Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model

Published on: July 1, 2018

Interleukin-8 in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with septic and aseptic meningitis

C Ostergaard1, T L Benfield, F Sellebjerg

  • 1Department of Clinical Microbiology, Statens Seruminstitut, Copenhagen, Denmark.

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|February 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels in cerebrospinal fluid are higher in septic meningitis than aseptic meningitis. Measuring IL-8 aids in differentiating meningitis types, improving diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Meningitis diagnosis relies on clinical signs and CSF analysis.
  • Distinguishing between septic and aseptic meningitis is crucial for treatment.
  • Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a cytokine involved in inflammatory responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IL-8 concentrations in patients with suspected meningitis.
  • To evaluate the utility of IL-8 in differentiating septic from aseptic meningitis.
  • To correlate CSF IL-8 levels with other meningitis markers.

Main Methods:

  • Monoclonal antibody enzyme immunoassay was used to quantify IL-8 in CSF.
  • CSF samples were analyzed from 52 patients with suspected meningitis.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to compare IL-8 levels and correlate with other parameters.

Main Results:

  • CSF IL-8 concentrations were significantly elevated in septic meningitis compared to aseptic meningitis and controls.
  • CSF IL-8 levels showed significant correlations with tumor necrosis factor-alpha, leukocyte and neutrophil counts, protein levels, CSF/blood glucose ratio, and hospitalization duration.
  • At a cut-off of 3.00 µg/L, IL-8 demonstrated 81% sensitivity, 92% specificity, and 96% positive predictive value for distinguishing septic from aseptic meningitis.

Conclusions:

  • CSF IL-8 is a valuable biomarker for differentiating septic from aseptic meningitis.
  • IL-8 measurement can aid in the early and accurate diagnosis of meningitis.
  • Further research may establish IL-8 as a standard diagnostic tool for meningitis.

More Related Videos

Quantitative Measurement of Intrathecally Synthesized Proteins in Mice08:23

Quantitative Measurement of Intrathecally Synthesized Proteins in Mice

Published on: November 29, 2019

Induction of Leptomeningeal Cells Modification Via Intracisternal Injection05:55

Induction of Leptomeningeal Cells Modification Via Intracisternal Injection

Published on: May 7, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...