Bacterial Meningitis Score

Name: Bacterial Meningitis Score
Creator: Daniel Diaz-Gil, MD
Keywords: bacterial meningitis score, BMS, meningitis, CSF, cerebrospinal fluid, lumbar puncture, infectious disease, pediatric

Five-criteria decision rule to identify children with CSF pleocytosis at very low risk of bacterial meningitis

Clinically Verified· 5 tests

For educational and informational purposes only. Verify all results before clinical application.

CSF Gram Stain *

CSF Protein *

CSF protein ≥ 80 mg/dL. Elevated CSF protein suggests bacterial meningitis but can also be seen in neonates or traumatic lumbar punctures.

Peripheral ANC *

Peripheral absolute neutrophil count ≥ 10,000/µL. Peripheral leukocytosis with neutrophilia supports bacterial infection.

CSF ANC *

CSF absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1,000/µL. High CSF neutrophil count strongly suggests bacterial meningitis.

Seizure at Presentation *

References

Nigrovic LE, Kuppermann N, Macias CG, et al. Clinical prediction rule for identifying children with cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis at very low risk of bacterial meningitis. JAMA. 2007;297(1):52-60.[DOI]

Reviewed by Daniel Diaz-Gil, MD · Last updated March 2026

Medical disclaimer

This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional clinical judgment. Always independently verify results before making clinical decisions.

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