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Infectious Diseases
Varicella zoster encephalitis in an immunocompetent patient
  1. Kajori Chakravorty1,2,
  2. Astha Bhardwaj1,2 and
  3. Joseph El-Houjairy2
  1. 1Family Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
  2. 2Hospitalist Services, Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center, Jasper, Indiana, USA
  1. Correspondence to Dr Kajori Chakravorty; kchakra{at}iu.edu

Abstract

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often caused by viruses. Historically, data have shown herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 to be the most common causes of viral encephalitis, with cases due to varicella zoster virus (VZV) more often seen in older age and immunocompromised states. However, emerging data show VZV as an increasingly common culprit of encephalitis in young, immunocompetent patients. PCR analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid is the most accurate diagnostic modality for viral encephalitis. Appropriate and complete treatment hinges on accurate identification of the cause of encephalitis, underscoring the need for comprehensive testing. We present a case of VZV encephalitis in an immunocompetent male patient in his 40s.

  • Infection (neurology)
  • Vaccination/immunisation

https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2023-257301

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    Footnotes

    • Contributors The following authors were responsible for drafting of the text, sourcing and editing of clinical images, investigation results, drawing original diagrams and algorithms, and critical revision for important intellectual content: JE-H, KC and AB. The following authors gave final approval of the manuscript: JE-H, KC and AB. KC and AB contributed equally to this paper. JE-H was the lead clinician taking care of this patient.

    • Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

    • Case reports provide a valuable learning resource for the scientific community and can indicate areas of interest for future research. They should not be used in isolation to guide treatment choices or public health policy.

    • Competing interests None declared.

    • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.