SIGNIFICANT CHEMICAL CHANGES IN THE SPINAL FLUID IN MENINGITIS

Abstract

In 1917, Tashiro and Levinson¹ reported observations on the differential precipitation of the proteins of the spinal fluid by alkaloidal and metallic precipitants in tuberculous and epidemic meningitis, and miscellaneous pathologic conditions. The convenient method of differential diagnosis between tuberculous and epidemic meningitis proposed by these authors is briefly described as follows: Three small, narrowbored test tubes are prepared, and in them separately are placed 1 cc. of 3 per cent sulphosalicylic acid, 1 cc. of 1 per cent mercuric chloride and 1 cc. of 0.5 per cent phenolphthalein rendered slightly pink by the addition of dilute sodium hydroxide. To each tube is added 1 cc. of the spinal fluid; the contents of the tube are thoroughly mixed, and the tubes stoppered with cotton and allowed to stand for twenty-four hours. Specimens of spinal fluid from normal persons give a faint turbidity with sulphosalicylic acid and no change with the