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Severe ataxia as a complication of human parvovirus B19 acute encephalitis in a child

Filippo Greco1, Maria Luisa Barbagallo, Danilo Castellano Chiodo

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy. coicoico@hotmail.com

Journal of Child Neurology
|May 20, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Human parvovirus B19 can cause encephalitis in children, even in those with healthy immune systems. This case highlights a rare complication of severe cerebellar ataxia following B19 viral encephalitis.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Virology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) is a common childhood virus.
  • Typically associated with erythema infectiosum (fifth disease).
  • Unusual presentations can occur, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

Observation:

  • A 4-year-old immunocompetent female child presented with acute encephalitis.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid analysis confirmed B19V infection via polymerase chain reaction.
  • The child received intravenous immunoglobulin and dexamethasone treatment.

Findings:

  • Post-encephalitis, the patient developed a severe cerebellar syndrome.
  • Clinical manifestations included ataxia, dysmetria, and dysarthria.
  • This represents a potentially novel complication of B19V encephalitis in childhood.

Implications:

  • This case expands the known neurological manifestations of B19V.
  • Highlights the importance of considering B19V in pediatric encephalitis with cerebellar signs.
  • Suggests potential neurotoxic effects of B19V beyond typical presentations.

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