A Fatal Case of Brainstem Encephalitis Caused by Human Parechovirus

There is increasing recognition of human parechovirus (HPeV) as a neurotropic virus, especially type 3, which can cause sepsis and encephalitis in young infants. We present a case of neonatal brainstem encephalitis caused by HPeV and review the fifteen published cases in the literature. This is the first report of HPeV causing brainstem encephalitis. Earlier use of polymerase chain reaction testing for HPeV should be considered in appropriate cases.