Immunoglobulin-responsive chikungunya encephalitis: two case reports.

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an alphavirus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, typically causes self-limited illness with fever, rash, and arthralgia.
• Recent reports indicate severe CHIKV manifestations, including neurological involvement such as meningoencephalitis.
• The spectrum of CHIKV disease is evolving, necessitating a better understanding of its neuroinvasive potential.

Observation:

• This report details two cases of encephalitis in Brazil linked to CHIKV infection.
• The patients presented with neurological symptoms consistent with severe CHIKV disease.
• Both patients were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg).

Findings:

• Clinical and laboratory findings confirmed chikungunya virus as the cause of encephalitis in both patients.
• The patients experienced a favorable outcome, showing improvement following IVIg therapy.
• This suggests IVIg may be a viable treatment option for chikungunya-associated encephalitis.

Implications:

• Chikungunya virus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of encephalitis, especially in endemic areas.
• The findings highlight the potential for severe neurological complications from CHIKV infection.
• Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) shows promise as a therapeutic intervention for chikungunya encephalitis, warranting further investigation.