In Guillain-Barré syndrome, albuminocytological dissociation on CSF analysis refers to:
- A Elevated cell count with normal protein
- B Elevated protein with normal or near-normal cell count (< 10 cells/µL) ✓
- C Glucose < 40% of serum glucose with elevated cell count
- D Xanthochromic CSF with elevated opening pressure
Correct answer: B. Elevated protein with normal or near-normal cell count (< 10 cells/µL)
Explanation
Albuminocytological dissociation is the hallmark CSF finding in GBS: elevated protein (typically >45 mg/dL, often 100–1000 mg/dL in the second week) with a normal or minimally elevated cell count (<10 WBC/µL). This reflects nerve root demyelination and protein leak without active meningeal inflammation. Elevated cell count with elevated protein suggests meningoencephalitis; low glucose suggests bacterial/fungal meningitis.
Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.