Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare disease entity predominantly observed in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The clinical outcome is frequently devastating if the diagnosis is delayed. In the era of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), the incidence has declined. Poor adherence to HIV medication, often seen in patients of low socioeconomic status, continues to drive disease progression and the subsequent development of PML. Here, we present a patient with weakness and cognitive impairment who was diagnosed with PML based on characteristic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

findings and detection of John Cunningham (JC) virus in the cerebrospinal fluid via polymerase chain reaction(PCR). During hospitalization, the patient also developed primary Acinetobacter baumannii and Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bacteremia. This case underscores the critical importance of skin disinfection and infection control measures during intravenous catheterization. The patient was initiated on cART and appropriate antibiotics shortly after admission. Fortunately, no immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) occurred. Following a prolonged hospital stay, his motor function improved significantly, progressing from an inability to walk to independent ambulation with a walking aid.