Encephalitis

Question 1

Encephalitis definition

Answer 1

Inflammation of the brain parenchyma.

Question 2

How can encephalitis be distinguished from meningitis?

Answer 2

Abnormalities in brain function: altered mental states, motor and sensory deficits, altered behaviour and personality, speech and movement disorders

Normally show some parenchymal inflammation e.g. inflammatory cells in CSF or inflammation on imaging

Question 3

What are some viral causes?

Answer 3

Herpes simplex virus, arboviruses, ADEM, mumps, measles, rubella, influenza

Question 4

What are some bacterial causes?

Answer 4

Listeria, mycoplasma, syphilis,

Question 5

What are some other causes?

Answer 5

TB, parasites (malaria), fungi

Question 6

What is the most commonly diagnosed viral encephalitis in the immunocompromised?

Answer 6

Herpes simplex virus (HSV1 and HSV2). HSV2 typically occurs in neonates and immunocompromised. CMV and EBV encephalitis increasing due to immunocompromised populations - immunocompromised second to HIV, organ transplantation and chemo