P53 Acute West Nile Virus Infection in an SLE Patient – Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges

Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) are highly susceptible to infections, particularly when undergoing long-term steroid treatment. This case study described a 54-year-old female SLE patient with central nervous system (CNS) involvement who developed an acute West Nile virus infection. Despite initial symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, and high fever, diagnostic tests confirmed the infection through the presence of IgM antibodies in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Following appropriate treatment, the patient showed significant improvement within two weeks. The study highlighted the importance of distinguishing between infection and disease flare in SLE patients, especially those with CNS involvement, due to the differing therapeutic approaches required. The emergence of mosquito-borne viruses in Europe has added complexity to the management of immunosuppressed patients.