Varicella-Zoster Meningoencephalitis in a Patient Exposed to HIV/AIDS: A Case Report

Abstract

Aims: To report an unusual case of herpes zoster meningoencephalitis in an immunocompetent patient exposed to HIV/AIDS.
 Presentation of Case: The present report deals with an immunocompetent patient who was diagnosed with meningoencephalitis caused by Herpes Zoster, an opportunistic infection that presented complications.
 Discussion: Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a pathogenic human herpes virus that causes chickenpox as a primary infection, after which it becomes latent in the peripheral ganglia. Later, the virus can be reactivated spontaneously or after a series of triggers to cause herpes zoster. Chickenpox and its complications are more severe in immunosuppressed patients.
 Conclusion: An unusual case of varicella-zoster meningoencephalitis in an immunocompetent patient that deserves to be shared with colleagues.