BK virus encephalitis in an immunocompetent patient.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a previously healthy patient now suffering from monophasic encephalitis caused by a primary infection with BK virus and to discuss possible risk factors for developing BK virus encephalitis.


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
Referral hospital.


METHODS
The patient was examined on referral.


METHODS
The main diagnostic tests performed were serology, polymerase chain reaction on cerebrospinal fluid samples, and cranial magnetic resonance imaging.


RESULTS
During the course of the patient's encephalitis, an IgM titer developed against polyomavirus, followed by anti-polyomavirus IgG. Wild-type BK virus was demonstrated in cerebrospinal fluid samples. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed diffuse reversible white matter changes most prominent on T2-weighted images.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that diagnostic tests for BK, a human polyomavirus, should be included in the screening program for encephalitogenic pathogens.
Voltz
R
R
Department of Neurology, Klinikum Grosshadern, Munich, Germany.
Jäger
G
G
Seelos
K
K
Fuhry
L
L
Hohlfeld
R
R
D000328:Adult; D001739:BK Virus; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid / Q000821:virology; D018792:Encephalitis, Viral / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D007121:Immunocompetence; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D027601:Polyomavirus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis; D012698:Serologic Tests; D014412:Tumor Virus Infections / Q000175:diagnosis