The value of the measurement of cerebrospinal fluid levels of lysozyme in the diagnosis of neurological disease.

A turbidimetric technique has been adapted to yield maximum sensitivity for the measurement of lysozyme in cerebrospinal fluid. One hundred and ninety-eight patients were studied over a total period of 9 months using this technique. In addition to the considerably elevated levels known to occur in cases of bacterial and fungal meningitis, increased activity was also demonstrated in cases of subarachnoid haemorrhage and in certain inflammatory conditions. Normal or marginally increased levels were seen in cases of viral meningitis and encephalitis.