Bacterial meningitis with initially clear CSF

: 16 bacterial meningitis on 150 observations of purulent meningitis have clear or normal CSM at the initial lumbar puncture. Neisseria meningitidis is the principal germ and there is often purpura and moderate shock. Bacteremia is present in three of the six observations with normal CSF. CSF in controlled a second time 9 to 48 h after the first control. In 14 cases CSF is purulent. Treatment is delayed in eight cases.