BK virus encephalitis in an immunocompetent patient

Area of Science:

• Neurovirology
• Infectious Diseases
• Neurology

Background:

• BK virus (a human polyomavirus) is typically associated with asymptomatic infection.
• Encephalitis is a serious neurological condition characterized by inflammation of the brain.
• Primary BK virus infection causing encephalitis is rare, particularly in immunocompetent individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of monophasic encephalitis in a previously healthy individual.
• To identify potential risk factors associated with BK virus encephalitis.
• To raise awareness of BK virus as a cause of central nervous system infections.

Main Methods:

• A case report detailing a patient's clinical presentation and diagnostic workup.
• Diagnostic methods included serology for polyomavirus antibodies (IgM and IgG).
• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were utilized.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with encephalitis and developed IgM and IgG antibodies against polyomavirus.
• Wild-type BK virus was confirmed in CSF samples via PCR.
• Cranial MRI revealed reversible white matter changes, predominantly on T2-weighted images.

Conclusions:

• BK virus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of encephalitis, even in previously healthy patients.
• Diagnostic testing for BK virus is recommended for patients presenting with unexplained encephalitis.
• This case underscores the neuroinvasive potential of BK virus.