Epstein–Barr virus infection with non-tumor-associated Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor encephalitis: a case report and review of literature

Abstract

To study a case of a middle-aged male with a non-tumor-associated Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection associated with Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis (NMDARE), to explore the role of EBV in the pathogenesis of anti-NMDARE. The patient was diagnosed with “Anti-NMDARE, EBV infection” by using Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) autoimmune encephalitis profile, and Metagenomics Next-Generation Sequencing (mNGS) pathogenic microbial assays, we discuss the relationship between EBV and NMDARE by reviewed literature. EBV infection may trigger and enhance anti-NMDARE, and the higher the titer of NMDAR antibody, the more severe the clinical presentation.