Varicella-Zoster Virus: A Case of Encephalitis

Infection with the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is very common worldwide and is one of the main causes of infectious encephalitis. Immunosuppressed patients are at increased risk of severe disease and central nervous system (CNS) involvement. We report the case of a 43-year-old man with HIV infection and poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy who presented to the emergency department (ER) with complaints of diplopia and a frontal headache, referring to having a child with chickenpox. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed three hyperintense T2-weighted lesions surrounded by edema in the right sublenticular, left occipital and left parietal regions, and VZV DNA was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). After admitting the diagnosis of VZV encephalitis, the patient was treated with intravenous acyclovir, with clinical improvement and a favorable outcome.

Automated summary

This article presents a case of varicella-zoster virus encephalitis in an HIV-infected patient. Immunocompromised patients with poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy are at increased risk of severe disease and central nervous system involvement. The patient showed clinical improvement and a favorable outcome after receiving intravenous acyclovir treatment.