West Nile Virus Encephalitis in a Kidney Transplant Patient

Abstract

West Nile virus encephalitis is a neuroinvasive condition with significant diagnostic challenges, especially in immunosuppressed patients. We describe the case of a 54-year-old male patient with a history of kidney transplantation and systemic comorbidities. He presented with fever and altered mental status, and neuroimaging revealed bilateral thalamic lesions and leptomeningeal enhancement. West Nile virus was confirmed via polymerase chain reaction from cerebrospinal fluid. The patient was managed with supportive care and close monitoring. Early recognition and comprehensive diagnostics are crucial for effectively managing high-risk patients, despite the lack of a specific treatment for West Nile virus, as with most other viral diseases.