title: Focal epilepsy as a long term sequela of Parvovirus B19 encephalitis.
abstract: Human Parvovirus B19 (PVB19), the etiological agent of the fifth disease, is associated with a large spectrum of pathologies, among which is encephalitis. Since it has been detected from the central nervous system in children or in immunocompromised patients, its causative role in serious neurological manifestations is still unclear. Here we report the case of an 18-year-old healthy boy who developed encephalitis complicated by prolonged status epilepticus. The detection of PVB19 DNA in his serum and, subsequently, in his cerebrospinal fluid supports the hypothesis that this virus could potentially play a role in the pathogenesis of neurological complications. In addition, the detection of viral DNA and the presence of specific IgM and IgG antibodies in serum, together with clinical findings such as skin rash, support the presence of a disseminated viral infection. In the presence of neurological disorders, especially when there are no specific signs, but seizures and rash are present, it is important to search for PVB19 both in immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. Moreover, the introduction of the PVB19 DNA test into diagnostic protocols of neuropathies, especially those undiagnosed, could clarify the etiological agent that otherwise could remain unrecognized.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Italy; O.U. Central Laboratory, Clinical Virology Unit, A.O.U Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, O.P "Gaspare Rodolico", Catania, Italy. Electronic address: ileniapalermo@libero.it.
authors.forename: Concetta Ilenia
authors.initials: CI
authors.lastname: Palermo
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Italy; O.U. Central Laboratory, Clinical Virology Unit, A.O.U Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, O.P "Gaspare Rodolico", Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Carmela Maria
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Costanzo
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Italy; O.U. Central Laboratory, Clinical Virology Unit, A.O.U Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, O.P "Gaspare Rodolico", Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Concetta
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Franchina
authors.affiliation: O.U. Intensive Care, A.O.U Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, O.P "Vittorio Emanuele II", Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Giacomo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Castiglione
authors.affiliation: Department "G. F. Ingrassia", Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Loretta
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Giuliano
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Italy; O.U. Central Laboratory, Clinical Virology Unit, A.O.U Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, O.P "Gaspare Rodolico", Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Raffaela
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Russo
authors.affiliation: O.U. Intensive Care, A.O.U Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, O.P "Vittorio Emanuele II", Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Conti
authors.affiliation: Department "G. F. Ingrassia", Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Vito
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sofia
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Italy; O.U. Central Laboratory, Clinical Virology Unit, A.O.U Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, O.P "Gaspare Rodolico", Catania, Italy.
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Scalia
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001769:Blood / Q000821:virology; D002555:Cerebrospinal Fluid / Q000821:virology; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000235:genetics; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology*; D004828:Epilepsies, Partial / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010322:Parvoviridae Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology; D016732:Parvovirus B19, Human / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D004279:DNA, Viral
keywords: Encephalitis; Immunocompetent host; Parvovirus B19; Polyclonal intravenous immunoglobulins