Abstract Although different etiological agents can cause acute
meningoencephalitis, this
syndrome is usually associated with
viruses. Among these, enteroviruses
play a significant
role. Here, we describe a fatal case of
meningoencephalitis in a previously healthy
teenager. Real-
time RT-PCR and
cell culture assays were performed with
serum and
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a clinically diagnosed
meningoencephalitis case that occurred in Rio de Janeiro
State,
Brazil. Coxsackievirus B2 (CVB2) was identified.
Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the identified CVB2 was genetically related to
strains known to cause neurological
diseases. This case highlights the importance of continuous
laboratory surveillance of
central nervous system infections.