An apparatus for detecting the presence of pathogens in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the central nervous system (CNS) includes a digital computer, a speaker unit and a microphone unit. The digital computer is programmed with generally available software which is capable of generating a spectrum of sound and receiving microphone data. The software is able to receive microphone signals and represent resulting data in graphical form showing sound intensity in dB as a function of frequency in kHz. An operator places the speaker and the microphone on the subjects body so that sound travels through at least a portion of the CNS, runs the software, and collects the resulting sound propagation data. If the propagation of sound through the CNS is indicative of altered CSF or CNS, then a disease state is suspected.
