Detection of RSV Genome in Cerebrospinal Fluid of a Patient with Guillain Barrè Syndrome: A Case Report

Respiratory syncytial virus is one of the major causes of serious lower respiratory tract infections in childhood leading to bronchiolitis and pneumonia. In addition to the common respiratory symptoms, non-respiratory manifestations due to RSV have also been reported. We report a case of a man, with a suspicion of a GBS-like syndrome, obscured by a compromised respiratory clinical picture. Although the routine lumbar puncture did not reveal the presence of any infectious agent, a secondary metagenomic analysis revealed the presence of RSV type B, broadening the knowledge on demyelinating disorders, which appear unrelated to this virus in adults. This is the first case of Guillain Barré syndrome with a clinical diagnosis associated with a metagenomic analysis revealing RSV genome in the cerebrospinal fluid. This fact underlines the importance of investigating respiratory viruses in subjects with neuropathies through CSF molecular testing.