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A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
04:23

A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease

Published on: April 28, 2019

[Unclear neurological condition and fever]

J G A Magarzo1, R Fulchini, T Eckle

  • 1Innere Medizin, Kantonsspital Luzern. jgamagi@hotmail.com

Praxis
|April 1, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Tuberculous meningitis can present with unclear neurological symptoms and fever. Characteristic cerebrospinal fluid findings can aid in early diagnosis and prompt treatment, reducing high mortality rates.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a severe form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
  • Early diagnosis of TBM is crucial but challenging due to nonspecific clinical presentations.

Observation:

  • Two elderly patients presented with fever and an unclear neurological condition.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed mononuclear pleocytosis, low glucose, and elevated protein.

Findings:

  • The observed CSF profile strongly suggested tuberculous meningitis.
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and CSF culture confirmed the TBM diagnosis.
  • Diagnosis is often delayed by non-specific initial symptoms.

Implications:

  • The characteristic CSF formula should prompt immediate antituberculous treatment.
  • Prompt treatment is essential to mitigate the high mortality associated with TBM.
  • Recognizing this CSF pattern can improve patient outcomes in suspected TBM cases.

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