Study of oxidant-antioxidant status in cerebrospinal fluid of children with meningitis

Meningitis, an inflammation of the meninges, is globally distributed as either sporadic or epidemic forms. Acute meningitis of infectious etiology involves viruses or bacteria making the differential diagnosis very difficult. Oxidative and reductive stress are dual dynamic phases experienced by the cells undergoing adaptation towards endogenous or exogenous noxious stimulus. Considering the issue stated, the present study was designed to evaluate the alterations in different biochemical parameters including glucose, protein, oxidative stress in the CSF samples of the meningitis patients (n=36) and compare them with control subjects (n=36). The results revealed significant increase in CSF of total protein, malondialdehyde, albumin, and NO levels in meningitis patients when compared with their respective controls. While Glucose, uric acid, glutathione, Vitamin E and C were significantly decreased in CSF samples, in meningitis patients in comparison to the control group. The findings indicated that oxidative stress due to reactive nitrogen species and altered antioxidant defenses are involved in the pathophysiology of meningitis in humans.