Reversal of CSF positivity for JC virus genome by cidofovir in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

We report the case of a 36-year-old woman affected by systemic lupus erythematosus who developed rapidly progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Cidofovir therapy induced disappearance of JC virus genome from the cerebrospinal fluid and stabilization of the MRI picture. Despite the fatal outcome after a few months of disease, cidofovir treatment deserves further testing as single antiviral therapy in HIV-negative PML patients.