Headache and fever - CNS infections

CNS Infections

Dr Patsy Lill
Professor Emerita
University of South Carolina School of Medicine

Headache and fever

A 21-year-old woman presents with headache and fever. Anterior flexion of the head causes pain and Brudzinki’s sign is present. A spinal tap shows normal glucose and protein but there is an increased number of lymphocytes. Below is an image of the cells in the CNS.

Which is MOST likely to cause this condition?

1. Lyme disease
2. Leptospirosis
3. Secondary syphilis
4. Herpes simplex Type 2
5. Any of the above

ANSWER

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Pathology questions by Dr Patsy Lill