Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Use of In vivo Imaging to Monitor the Progression of Experimental Mouse Cytomegalovirus Infection in Neonates
Published on: July 6, 2013
[Cytomegalovirus encephalitis in an immunocompetent patient: clinical, neuropathological and ultrastructural
R Salamano1, E Gervaz, G Mañana
1Instituto de Neurología, Hospital de Clínicas, Montevideo, Uruguay.
Insights
Cytomegalovirus encephalitis is uncommon in healthy individuals but can occur. This case study details a diagnosis in an immunocompetent young male, confirmed via brain biopsy and viral DNA detection.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Virology
- Pathology
Background:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) encephalitis is typically observed in immunocompromised individuals.
- Diagnosis in immunocompetent patients is rare, posing diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A case report of a young male patient presenting with CMV encephalitis without any signs of immunosuppression.
- Cerebral tissue biopsy was performed for diagnostic confirmation.
Findings:
- Detection of cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA in the brain biopsy sample confirmed the diagnosis.
- Detailed neuropathologic and ultrastructural analysis of the affected cerebral tissue was conducted.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of CMV encephalitis presentation in immunocompetent hosts.
- Highlights the importance of considering CMV in unexplained encephalitis, even without known risk factors.
Abstract:
Cytomegalovirus encephalitis is rarely diagnosed in immunocompetent patients. It is more frequent among immunocompromised hosts. We present a case of a young male patient without evidence of immunosupression who had a cytomegalovirus encephalitis. The diagnosis was made by detection of viral DNA in cerebral tissue obtained by biopsy. Neuropathologic and ultrastructural changes are described and compared with the descriptions in immunocompromised patients.
Related Concept Videos
Viral Meningitis
Arboviral Encephalitis
Cytomegalovirus Disease
Cryptococcal Meningitis
Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

