Case Report of Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) Meningitis with Arachnoiditis in a Previously Healthy Patient

Abstract

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is from herpesviridae family that is spread by close contact between susceptible persons and asymptomatic EBV carriers. EBV is the most common causative agent of infectious mononucleosis (IM), that persists asymptomatically for life in nearly all adults. It is associated with the development of B cell lymphomas, T cell lymphomas, Hodgkin lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinomas in certain patients. EBV is associated with a variety of CNS complications which can occur in the absence of clinical or laboratory manifestations of infectious mononucleosis. EBV meningoencephalitis should always be considered as one of the causative agents in immunocompetent patients who present with clinical features of meningitis. Molecular diagnostic techniques using CSF PCR and blood samples provides prompt diagnosis. Neuroimaging with MRI provides neuroanatomic localization of EBV meningoencephalitis, which may be a prognostic factor. The purpose of this case report is to increase the awareness of health care professionals about EBV meningoencephalitis as an under-diagnosed disease, and emphasize that excellent outcome can be achieved by early treatment. In this case report, we review a young male, with no significant past medical history, who presented with acute EBV meningitis, and was successfully treated medically.