Concentration of TNF-α in Peripheral Sera and Cerebrospinal Fluid in Children with Acute Bacterial Meningitis

Objective To analyze the concentration of TNF-α in the peripheral sera and cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) in children with acute bacterial meningitis,and evaluate its role in the pathogenesis. Methods Peripheral sera and CSF were taken from 21 children with acute bacterial meningitis and 16 healthy controls.TNF-α was analyzed using a sandwich ELISA method.Correlation between TNF-α and WBC,intracranial pressure,and protein concentration,glucose and chloride in the CSF was also analyzed subsequently. Results The concentrations of TNF-α were significantly increased in the CSF and peripheral sera in children with acute bacterial meningitis than those in healthy controls(P0.05).There was no correlation between TNF-α and WBC,intracranial pressure,and protein concentration,glucose and chloride in the CSF(P0.05). Conclusion TNF-α is significantly increased in the CSF and sera of children with acute bacterial meningitis.TNF-α may be involved in the development of bacterial meningitis.