Plasma cell pleocytosis in cerebrospinal fluid in patients with West Nile virus encephalitis

Clin Infect Dis. 2003 Jul 1;37(1):e12-5. doi: 10.1086/375692. Epub 2003 Jun 23.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures
  • Humans
  • Leukocytosis / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • Leukocytosis / etiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Plasma Cells / pathology*
  • West Nile Fever / cerebrospinal fluid*
  • West Nile Fever / complications
  • West Nile Fever / pathology
  • West Nile virus*