Human pegivirus ‐1 associated leukoencephalitis: Clinical and molecular features

We report on 2 adult female patients with fatal leukoencephalitis associated with human pegivirus ‐1 (HPgV‐1) brain infection. Neuroimaging showed inflammatory changes in cerebral white matter. Brain‐derived HPgV‐1 RNA sequences clustered phylogenetically with other pegiviruses despite an 87‐nucleotide deletion in the viral nonstructural (NS)2 gene. Neuropathology disclosed lymphocyte infiltration and gliosis predominantly in brain white matter. HPgV‐1 NS5A antigen was detected in lymphocytes as well as in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. HPgV‐1 neuroadaptation should be considered in the differential diagnosis of progressive leukoencephalitis in humans. Ann Neurol 2018

Source: Annals of Neurology - November 8, 2018 Category: Neurology Authors: Erin F. Balcom, Matthew A.L. Doan, William G. Branton, Juan Jovel, Gregg Blevins, Beste Edguer, Tom C. Hobman, Elaine Yacyshyn, Derek Emery, Adrian Box, Frank K.H. van Landeghem, Christopher Power Tags: Brief Communication Source Type: research