AuCoin: Viral Encephalitis Flashcards
When can CNS infections be associated with significant morbidity and mortality?
when they occur w/i the cranium or spinal column
How do most patients with CNS infections present?
fever
headache
altered mental status
focal neuro deficits
Viruses can colonize select mucosal surfaces in the body. If one has previous contact with a virus, the mucosa of the gi and resp tract may be coated with IgA. What does IgA do?
IgA neutralizes the virus and prevents attachment and subsequent cell penetration
How can certain viruses end up infecting/invading the CNS?
- replicate at non-neuronal sites (initially at the location where they entered)
- establish viremia
- cross the BBB to invade the CNS
For example, (blank) initially multiply in the peritonsillar lymphatics, Peyer’s patches, the lamina propria of the intestine, and vascular and endothelial cells
(blank) may mediate virus penetration from the gut lumen to lymphoid cells
From this initial site, the virus then disseminates to circulatory system (e.g., liver, spleen, and muscle), where further multiplication augments the (blank)
enteroviruses; M cells; viremia
After viremia, viral particles are normally cleared by (blank)
However, viruses may also elude host clearance by associating with certain cells
Some viruses (e.g., measles, herpes, mumps) grow and are transported in (blank)
phagocytic cells; phagocytic cells
What are 4 ways in which viruses can invade the CNS?
- invasion directly across cerebral capillary endothelial cells
at the BBB. - Infection of glia w/o evidence of infection
- Transport via immune cells (monocytes) b/w cerebral capillary endothelial cells
- Olfactory or peripheral nerves
To cross the BBB and enter the CNS hematologically, inflammation occurs and proinflammatory mediators compromise the BBB. Passage of viruses through endothelial cells can release (blank) and (blank)
IL6 and IFNgamma
Production of disease in the CNS requires what three things?
- viral attachment/penetration of susceptible cells
- spread w/i the nervous system
- induction of cellular changes
Viral entry into the subarachnoid space leads to dispersion of virus within CSF in contact with (blank) cells
Spread of virus may then occur to (blank) and (blank)
meningeal; glia; neurons
Once viral infection of the CNS occurs, inflammatory cells usually accumulate. What cells appear?
lymphocytes sensitized by the virus
After development of a CSF inflammatory response, alterations in the BBB permit the traversal into CSF of serum proteins, including (blank)
immunoglobulins
T/F: Intracerebral accumulation of Ig is reflected by an increase in the CSF-to-serum ratios of specific Ig that persist for several weeks after infection
True
An intact host immune response is important for clearance of virus from the CNS. Which cells, T or B cells, seem to be more important in this response?
T cells
inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known collectively as the meninges
meningitis
How is meningitis identified?
pleocytosis - abnormal WBCs in the CSF
Acute meningitis is clinically defined as a syndrome characterized by the onset of meningeal symptoms over the course of (blank).
hours to several days
Common etiologic agents of acute meningitis are (blank)
viruses (mostly enteroviruses)
also bacteria like S. pneumo and N. meningitidis
The cause of the meningitis is not apparent after initial evaluation and routine stains and cultures of CSF; not caused by pyogenic bacteria
aseptic meningitis
3 most common causes of aseptic meningitis?
nonpolio enteroviruses (85-95%)
mumps viruses
herpesviruses
When do most cases of viral meningitis occur? What are they caused by? Who mostly gets viral meningitis?
summer (warm weather and sparse clothing facilitates fecal-oral spread of enteroviruses); enterovirus; children t wash their hands properly
Symptoms of meningitis caused by enterovirus?
headache fever stiff neck nausea vomiting photophobia altered mental status
How long do symptoms of viral meningitis last?
7-10 days, and then it resolves
T/F: Enteroviruses have been recovered from wastewater and sewage; and disease has been reported after swimming in sewage-contaminated seawater
True
Most common enterovirus causing meningitis?
echoviruses
Group A – herpangina (ulcers in oropharynx, fever, sore throat)
Also called “Hand-foot-and-mouth disease” due to ulcer formation
Group B – pleurodynia (fever and severe pleuritic-type chest pain)
Myocarditis (fever, chest pain, and signs of congestive heart failure)
Both A & B can cause aseptic meningitis and mild paralysis
Coxsackie virus
Transmitted via fecal-oral route; may be transmitted in pool water; one of the leading causes of aseptic viral meningitis; may also cause hand foot and mouth disease
echovirus
2 non-polio enteroviruses that can cause stiff neck and photophobia after hanging out at a campground pool?
coxsackievirus
echovirus
In an unimmunized population, (blank) is one of the most common causes of aseptic meningitis and encephalitis
mumps
The most common neurologic manifestation of infection with mumps virus and is usually a benign and self-limited process
meningitis