Encephalitis, acute renal failure, and acute hepatitis triggered by a viral infection in an immunocompetent young adult: a case report

J Med Case Rep. 2009 Nov 21:3:9289. doi: 10.1186/1752-1947-3-9289.

Abstract

Introduction: Cytomegalovirus generally causes self-limited, mild and asymptomatic infections in immunocompetent patients. An aggressive course in immunocompetent healthy patients is unusual.

Case presentation: We report the case of an immunocompetent 16-year-old Egyptian boy with encephalitis, acute renal failure, and acute hepatitis triggered by viral infection with a complete recovery following antiviral treatment.

Conclusion: We believe that this case adds to the understanding of the molecular biology, clinical presentation and increasing index of suspicion of many viral infections.