BK Virus Meningoencephalitis in an AIDS Patient
Author Information
Author(s): Vidal José E, Fink Maria C, Cedeno-Laurent Filiberto, Delbue Serena, Ferrante Pasquale, Dauar Rafi F, Filho Francisco Bonasser, Nogueira Roberta Schiavon, Calore Eduardo E, Pannuti Claudio S, Trujillo J Roberto, de Oliveira Augusto C Penalva
Primary Institution: Emilio Ribas Institute of Infectious Diseases, São Paulo, Brazil
Hypothesis
Can BK virus cause meningoencephalitis in AIDS patients?
Conclusion
The study reports the first in-vivo case of BK virus meningoencephalitis in an AIDS patient who improved clinically and radiographically while on HAART.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient showed substantial improvement after modification of his HAART regime.
- PCR analysis confirmed the presence of BK virus in cerebrospinal fluid and brain tissue.
- The patient had a rising CD4+ lymphocyte count during treatment.
Takeaway
AIDS patients can get sick from a virus called BK, but with the right medicine, they can get better.
Methodology
The study used PCR and sequence analysis of cerebrospinal fluid and brain samples to confirm the presence of BK virus.
Limitations
The main limitation was the lack of demonstration of the virus in the brain tissue sample due to insufficient tissue for all diagnostic tests.
Participant Demographics
A 43-year-old HIV-1 positive heterosexual male.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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