Viral encephalitis: What are the most common viruses in patient admitted to an University Hospital in the Tropics? (P5.152)

Objective: To characterize the endemic tropical viral encephalitis and identify the etiologic agents causing the disease in the tropics. Background: No study has been done to identify the viruses infecting the central nervous system (CNS) in the Caribbean, a zone that is known to be endemic for tropical viruses. Presently, CSF from patients with suspected CNS infections a meningoencephalitis (MEM) panel is requested testing for viruses endemic to United States. However, this test doesn’t include the tropical endemic viruses. With the advent of new and rapid emerging neurotropic viruses in the tropics, such as ZIKV, CHIKV, and DENV there is an urgent need to develop tests that include the more prominent viruses etiologies in the tropics. Design/Methods: An IRB approved retrospective study was done. Data was collected from medical records from all patients with encephalitis hospitalized at University Hospital of Puerto Rico from 2011–2015. All information regarding clinical presentation, and results from the lumber puncture and MEM panel were collected. Parametric and non-parametric analysis was done. Results: 70 medical records with final diagnosis of encephalitis were reviewed. Etiology of encephalitis was not found in 84% of patients by MEM panel. However, 12% of patients were positive of West Nile Virus, 2% with CMV, and 2% with Herpes I and II. No significant differences in clinical presentations per etiology was observed. Conclusions: As previously published, the etiology of encephalitis was not identified in most of our cases. Our observation of increase positivity for West Nile Virus may represent a cross-reaction with other endemic Flaviviruses such as Dengue since West Nile Virus has not been reported in our population. No testing for endemic viruses, such as DENV, CHIKV, and ZIKV were done. We propose that tests including the endemic viruses for the tropics should be considered in the evaluation of these patients. Disclosure: Dr. Torres Gomez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wojna has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for PRHSJ. Dr. Cuebas has nothing to disclose.