The patient's symptoms (fever, neck stiffness, severe headache, photophobia) are classic for meningeal irritation. The CSF analysis provides key diagnostic clues:

The patient's symptoms (fever, neck stiffness, severe headache, photophobia) are classic for meningeal irritation. The CSF analysis provides key diagnostic clues: Increased opening pressure: Common in bacterial meningitis. Neutrophilic pleocytosis: A hallmark of bacterial infection in the CSF, indicating a predominance of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell). Elevated protein: Bacteria consume glucose and release proteins, leading to higher protein levels. Low glucose: Bacteria consume glucose in the CSF, resulting in low glucose levels. These findings are highly characteristic of bacterial meningitis. The correct option is C. C. Bacterial meningitis What's next?