Case Series of Neurological Manifestations Associated with Dengue Virus Infection in Guatemala

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Approximately 10% of dengue patients experience neurological alterations during or after infection. Dengue virus infection can present with three neurological syndromes:

1. Acute, nonspecific neurological symptoms
2. Acute encephalitis or focal neurological symptoms
3. Post-infectious neurological complications

This study reports a series of five confirmed cases of neurological dengue, diagnosed through laboratory tests. The objective is to describe the neurological manifestations associated with dengue virus infection and their clinical characteristics.

Methodology

This is a case series presenting five confirmed cases of neurological dengue, diagnosed through laboratory testing.

Results

Among the five cases,

• Two patients experienced lower limb weakness
• Two patients presented with altered consciousness
• One patient developed right hemibody weakness with dysarthria

All patients had positive serological tests confirming dengue virus antibodies.

• One patient developed an immune-mediated neurological syndrome
• One patient suffered from muscle dysfunction
• Three patients developed encephalitis

Conclusion

Neurological disorders associated with dengue virus (DENV) should be suspected in any patient presenting with:

• Acute, nonspecific neurological symptoms
• Acute encephalitis
• Focal neurological symptoms with confirmed DENV positivity
• Neurological complications during the convalescent phase of dengue infection

Authors

• Marvin Rodolfo Argueta Anzueto – Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Roosevelt, Guatemala
• Jessenia Sabrina Navas Castillo – Dr. Carlos Rodolfo Mejía Villatoro Comprehensive Care Unit for HIV and Chronic Infections, Hospital Roosevelt, Guatemala & Universidad Galileo, Guatemala
• Diana Karina Baldizón Pernillo – Dr. Carlos Rodolfo Mejía Villatoro Comprehensive Care Unit for HIV and Chronic Infections, Hospital Roosevelt, Guatemala
• Rodolfo Pinzón Meza – Dr. Carlos Rodolfo Mejía Villatoro Comprehensive Care Unit for HIV and Chronic Infections, Hospital Roosevelt, Guatemala
• Ana Johanna Samayoa Bran – Dr. Carlos Rodolfo Mejía Villatoro Comprehensive Care Unit for HIV and Chronic Infections, Hospital Roosevelt, Guatemala

https://scielo.iics.una.py/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1816-89492024000300086&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=es