Polymorphonuclear pleocytosis in the cerebrospinal fluid during chemotherapy for tuberculous meningitis.

Five patients on chemotherapy for tuberculous meningitis developed sudden and unexpected cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis consisting predominantly of polymorphonuclear leucocytes. The cellular changes, which developed 4-108 days after starting treatment, were not accompanied by an alteration in the clinical state and disappeared within a week whether or not an additional antibiotic was prescribed. Through the cause is uncertain, possible mechanisms are discussed. We are prompted to report these cases because the cytological changes are not well recognised and may cause difficulties in management.