Intracranial Infections Case 2

A 31-year-old woman is brought into the ED in an agitated and confused state.

She has a past history of schizophrenia, and has been detained under the Mental Health Act in the past.

Her partner thinks she has been taking her medication as usual, and there is no history of illicit drug use.

She has no other past medical history of note. She has had a flu-like illness for the preceding 2 days.

She will not let anyone near her, and is kicking and punching.

You manage to settle her with IM haloperidol, and obtain observations that find her to be febrile at 38.20C, HR 72, BP 136/84, sats. 99% on air, RR 20, BM 5.2.

You examine her fully, and find a widespread maculopapular rash and lymphadenopathy. You also notice some genital lesions.

Which of the following is the least probable cause of this presentation.

You are concerned about the possibility of this patient being immunocompromised. As the CT scanner is out of action, you request an urgent MRI prior to LP.

Click on the MRI to enlarge.

What would you expect to see on LP results for a diagnosis of viral encephalitis?

Select correct options from the list below.