VARICELLA ZOSTER VIRUS AND MENINGITIS IN IMMUNOCOMPETENT PATIENT - CASE REPORT

Abstract

Varicella zoster virus reactivation, also known as herpes zoster is common in older adults and immunocompromised individuals and often causes a painful, vesicular rash limited to a dermatomal distribution. On occasion, it can lead to various neurological complications as well. Meningitis caused by varicella zoster virus infection is uncommon in immunocompetent patients. We report the case of a 49-year-old male patient that presented with a one-week history of persistent headache that did not resolve with analgesics. He was previously healthy and immunocompetent, with a history of chickenpox in childhood. The CSF PCR analysis revealed a VZV infection causing acute aseptic meningitis with no shingles rash eruption on physical examination. Intravenous treatment with Acyclovir was started and following a three-week treatment course, the patient was discharged in good general condition with normal CSF results.