University of Wisconsin–Madison ⋅ Medical College of Wisconsin
WMJ

Varicella Zoster Meningitis in Immunocompetent Hosts: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

Sanjay Bhandari, MD; Carrie Alme, MD; Alfredo Siller, Jr, MD; Pinky Jha, MD

WMJ. 2021;120(1):74-77.

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ABSTRACT

Meningitis caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection is uncommon in immunocompetent patients. We report 3 cases of VZV meningitis with rash in immunocompetent adults from a single academic institution over a 1-year period. The low prevalence of VZV meningitis in this population is attributed to lack of early recognition or underreporting. We highlight the importance of considering VZV as a possible cause of meningitis even in previously healthy young individuals.

Author Affiliations: Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wis (Bhandari, Alme, Jha); Department of Medicine, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, Temple, Tex (Siller).
Corresponding Author: Sanjay Bhandari, MD, Medical College of Wisconsin, Division of General Internal Medicine, HUB for Collaborative Medicine, 7th Floor, 8701 W Watertown Plank Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226; phone 414.955.0356; email sbhandari@mcw.edu.
Funding/Support: None declared.
Financial Disclosures: None declared.
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