Plasma cell pleocytosis in cerebrospinal fluid in patients with West Nile virus encephalitis.
We describe 4 patients with West Nile virus encephalitis who all displayed previously unreported plasma cell pleocytosis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Three patients recovered but had varying degrees of mild neurologic disability on discharge from the hospital, and 1 patient died. The finding of significant numbers of plasma cells in CSF may serve as a useful early diagnostic clue for West Nile virus encephalitis.
Carson
Paul J
PJ
Department of Medicine, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Fargo, ND 58102, USA.
Steidler
Thomas
T
Patron
Roberto
R
Tate
John M
JM
Tight
Robert
R
Smego
Raymond A
RA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019937:Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures; D006801:Humans; D007964:Leukocytosis / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010950:Plasma Cells / Q000473:pathology*; D014901:West Nile Fever / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid* / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology; D014902:West Nile virus