Emerging shadows: HHV‐8‐associated encephalitis unveiled in a solid organ transplant recipient

Abstract

AbstractHuman herpesviruses (HHVs) cause a wide variety of central nervous system (CNS) infections including meningitis and encephalitis. While HHV‐8 is not typically associated with neurological diseases, several studies have indicated a relationship, such as secondary central nervous system (CNS) metastases and a few isolated cases of HHV‐8 encephalitis in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV). However, it has not been previously linked to encephalitis in solid organ transplantation (SOT). This case presents the first‐ever instance of HHV‐8 encephalitis in a SOT recipient. Our case highlights the association of HHV‐8‐related diseases, such as post‐transplant Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS), with encephalitis. The patient was diagnosed with KS before developing neurological symptoms and received a prompt clinical response through intravenous foscarnet and ganciclovir treatment for 14 days. It is important to note that HHV‐8 is a rare cause of encephalitis, and diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion in the appropriate clinical context, allowing for the use of antiviral therapy. This case also underscores the importance of considering the possibility of HHV‐8‐related diseases in SOT recipients, as they are at risk of developing such infections.