A case of pediatric enteroviral meningitis with a travel history

Abstract

Enterovirus meningitis represents a common cause of meningitis worldwide. In this case study, a 5-year-old male with a travel history presenting with persistent nausea, vomiting, fever and headache for 3 days is reported. The patient described a fever of 39.5°C on the first day of symptom onset as well as decreased appetite and pain in the front right side of head. In physical examination, initially there was no sign of stiff neck, however he had neck stiffness the following day, Kernig's sign and Brudzinski's signs were positive. On admission, blood tests showed a slightly increased C-reactive protein and a normal white cell count. He was admitted to the pediatrics service and a lumbar puncture was performed. Intravenous ceftriaxone and acyclovir were empirically administered. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed lymphocytic pleocytosis, with normal protein and glucose concentration. CSF molecular analysis was positive for enterovirus RNA. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging with contrast was normal. Following confirmed diagnosis, ceftriaxone and acyclovir treatments were discontinued and he was given supportive care. He successfully recovered and was discharged without any complication. This case report highlights that rapid molecular testing favorably impacts patient management by improving antimicrobial stewardship through the reduction of intravenous therapy, side effects and inpatient bed-days.