An autochthonous case of severe tick-borne encephalitis virus associated meningoencephalitis in France: Is there a place for polyvalent intravenous immunoglobulins?

Abstract

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a common cause of viral encephalitis in parts of Central and Eastern Europe, with a recent resurgence of cases and geographical expansion. Active immunization results in a high rate of seroconversion and is the most effective measure to reduce the incidence of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). In France, an endemic country, vaccination is recommended only for travelers staying in rural or forested areas in endemic regions. Polyvalent intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is sometimes used as rescue treatment of viral encephalitis. However, few cases of TBEV meningoencephalitis treated with polyvalent IVIG have been described. We report here a case of autochthonous TBEV meningoencephalitis in a French patient with cranial nerve involvement that was treated with IVIG and discuss the possible mechanisms of action.