[Rare neurological manifestations of West Nile virus infection in an immunocompetent patient]

Abstract

Background: Neuro-invasive disease is the most dreaded complication of West Nile virus infection. We report the case of an immunocompetent patient who developed a meningeal syndrome associated with cerebellar ataxia, facial diplegia and hemiparesis caused by West Nile virus infection with a favourable outcome.

Observation: A 42-year-old man was admitted for a febrile meningeal syndrome and confusion associated with cerebellar ataxia. The patient had developed facial diplegia, left hemiparesis with worsening cerebellar syndrome. He was diagnosed with neuro-invasive West Nile virus infection given the positive West Nile virus serologies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid as well as West Nile virus polymerase chain reaction in serum and urine. The outcome was favourable.

Conclusion: Because of the increasing prevalence of West Nile virus, this infection should be suspected in the event of atypical neurological manifestations even in immunocompetent patients.

Keywords: Ataxie cérébelleuse; Cerebellar ataxia; Diplégie faciale; Facial diplegia; West Nile virus.