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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
Published on: April 28, 2019
Meningitis determined by oligosymptomatic dengue virus type 3 infection: report of a case
C N Soares1, M J Cabral-Castro, J M Peralta
1Neurology Service, Hospital Universitário Antônio Pedro/Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. cnsoares@predialnet.com.br
Abstract:
Dengue infection is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a flavivirus, and is recognized in over 100 countries with 2.5 billion people living in areas of risk. Neurological manifestations such as encephalitis, myelitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, cranial nerve palsies, neuromyelitis optica, and encephalomyelitis have been recognized as clinical consequences of dengue infection. Meningitis is a rare complication. We report the case of a 24-year-old woman who presented with fever, headache, and nuchal rigidity without the typical symptoms of dengue infection. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed lymphocytic pleocytosis with a normal glucose value and negative bacterial and fungal cultures. The etiology of meningitis was confirmed by positive dengue PCR in the serum. This case report highlights dengue infection as a potential cause of meningitis in endemic areas. Also, meningitis can be the first manifestation of the infection. Dengue should be investigated even in the absence of a typical picture of the infection.
Insights
Dengue virus infection can cause meningitis, a rare but serious complication. This mosquito-borne illness should be considered even without typical dengue symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Dengue virus is a significant global health threat, prevalent in over 100 countries.
- Neurological complications of dengue infection are well-documented, including encephalitis and Guillain-Barré syndrome.
- Meningitis is an infrequent manifestation of dengue virus infection.
Observation:
- A case of a 24-year-old woman presenting with meningitis symptoms (fever, headache, nuchal rigidity) was observed.
- The patient lacked typical dengue infection symptoms.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed lymphocytic pleocytosis with normal glucose and negative bacterial/fungal cultures.
Findings:
- Dengue virus infection was confirmed via positive serum dengue PCR.
- The patient's meningitis was directly attributed to dengue virus.
Implications:
- This case underscores dengue virus as a potential cause of meningitis, particularly in endemic regions.
- Meningitis can be the initial clinical presentation of dengue virus infection.
- Dengue virus should be investigated in meningitis cases, even with atypical presentations.
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