Abstract
Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) is known to be a cause of aseptic meningitis and can be potentially fatal. VZV meningitis can arise in immunodeficient and more rarely, immunocompetent hosts. We present here a rare case of VZV causing meningitis in a 44-year-old immunocompetent man. He presented with an isolated headache without any fever or rash. CSF PCR for VZV DNA was positive confirming VZV as the cause of meningitis. He was treated with IV ganciclovir for 3 days and was transitioned to oral valacyclovir to complete a total of 10 days of antiviral treatment with the resolution of the headache. The purpose of this case report is to highlight VZV as a cause of aseptic meningitis in immunocompetent individuals and emphasize the importance of using airborne precautions along with contact precautions in health care workers who deal with patients with VZV shingles.
Highlights
BackgroundVaricella-Zoster Virus (VZV) is a common pathogen causing infection in the general population
1.2 million individuals get infected by the VZV virus annually
Weinberg et al (2010; Miller, 1980) the risk factors associated with the disease are those which depress the cell-mediated immune response including age, HIV-infected patients, transplant patients and patients with autoimmune diseases receiving specific immunomodulatory therapies, cancer patients on chemotherapy and patients on chronic steroid therapy
Summary
BackgroundVaricella-Zoster Virus (VZV) is a common pathogen causing infection in the general population. Yawn et al (2007) Rarely VZV causes aseptic meningitis with fever, rash and a headache in immunocompromised individuals. In about 3360% of the patients with VZV meningitis, there is no associated rash but, in most cases, there is an associated fever.
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