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A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
Published on: April 28, 2019
Acute encephalitis as initial presentation of primary HIV infection
Hipólito Nzwalo1, Rosário Pazos Añón, Maria João Àguas
1Neurology Department, Faro Hospital, Faro, Portugal. hipnzwalo@yahoo.com.br
BMJ Case Reports
|July 5, 2012
Summary
Acute encephalitis can rarely be caused by acute Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Early antiretroviral treatment in this severe case led to full recovery, suggesting HIV should be considered in encephalitis diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Acute encephalitis is a severe neurological condition with diverse causes, often idiopathic.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) acute seroconversion illness can rarely manifest as acute encephalitis.
- Evidence supporting early antiretroviral treatment (ART) in severe acute HIV infection is limited.
Observation:
- A case of severe acute encephalitis presenting as the initial symptom of HIV infection is described.
- The patient experienced acute encephalitis as the primary manifestation of newly acquired HIV.
Findings:
- Introduction of highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) led to significant clinical improvement and recovery.
- The patient's neurological symptoms resolved following the initiation of ART.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of including HIV infection in the differential diagnosis for acute encephalitis.
- Early diagnosis and prompt initiation of ART may be crucial for managing HIV-associated neurological complications.
- Considering HIV in treatable viral encephalitis cases can improve patient outcomes.
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