CD62L on neutrophil granulocytes, a useful, complementary marker for the prediction of ventriculitis in blood-containing CSF

ObjectivesPresence of residual blood is a common problem in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diagnostics of ventriculitis. We hypothesised that neutrophil granulocytes in infected, blood-containing CSF lose CD62L expression. Therefore CD62L expression on neutrophils may present a complementary marker to distinguish between patients with residual blood and infection.Designs and methodsEvaluation was performed in 64 ventricular CSF samples sent to the laboratory for diagnostic investigation. Cell count, microbiological culture, total protein and flow cytometric analysis of CSF were performed.ResultsCell counts and CD62L expression were significantly different between the culture positive and negative group. ROC-analysis revealed a significant predictive value for cell count and CD62L expression. Optimal cut-offs were calculated and a decision tree was established to predict a positive culture.ConclusionsCell count and CD62L expression were predictive for a positive culture and the combination helped to increase specificity and sensitivity for the detection of ventriculitis in blood-containing CSF.