Articles tagged with Encephalitis
Patients with autoimmune limbic encephalitis experience altered hippocampus size and function, leading to memory loss and apathy. This study reveals a link between hippocampus damage and behavioral changes, shedding light on the condition's effects on cognition and motivation.
A major new study found that mental health and behavioural changes, such as depression, anxiety, and emotional instability, are common in people who survive encephalitis. The research suggests that routine mental health screening and support are crucial for post-encephalitis care.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center are using a human brain-on-a-chip system to study lethal encephalitis viruses and develop treatments. The chip replicates the function of the human brain, allowing scientists to test antiviral drugs in a more accurate and human-like environment.
Scientists have discovered that immune cells shed their glycocalyx layer to move into tissues, changing the understanding of inflammatory skin diseases like psoriasis. This finding may lead to new approaches in developing drugs targeting immune cell movement and treating infections and inflammatory diseases.
Climate change is allowing disease-carrying insects to spread into new areas, resulting in a growing number of West Nile virus infection cases in Europe. The virus can attack the nervous system and brain, causing symptoms like fever, headache, and malaise, with severe consequences for vulnerable individuals.
A study published in eBioMedicine identified a specific immune response that controls Oropouche virus infections and prevents neurological damage. B cells produce antibodies quickly, helping to neutralize the virus and prevent its spread to the central nervous system.
Researchers identify key symptom categories and biomarkers for anti-NMDAR encephalitis, a rare autoimmune brain condition. Clinical manifestations suggest the presence of anti-NMDAR encephalitis through NMDA antibody checks, uric acid levels, C-reactive protein, and thyroid-related hormones.
Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) is a rare but deadly disease in the US, caused by a mosquito bite. People at risk include those living near swamps or marshes and outdoor workers, such as farmers and campers.
A new study has identified a way to target the viral enzyme uracil-DNA glycosylase (vUNG) that helps HSV-1 evade the immune system, allowing reactivation of APOBEC1 and improving survival in infected mice. This approach offers a promising therapeutic strategy for treating HSV-1 encephalitis by strengthening brain immunity.
A case study found Bartonella henselae, Babesia odocoilei, and Babesia divergens-like MO-1 DNA in brain tissue samples from a young child with seizures. The presence of these pathogens suggests their potential role in complex neurological illnesses.
Researchers implemented an intervention package in hospitals across Brazil, India, and Malawi, significantly improving brain infection diagnosis and management. The results showed a higher proportion of patients receiving syndromic diagnoses and microbiological diagnoses, leading to better patient outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Kansas are analyzing noninfectious mosquito saliva to understand how it affects the immune system and changes at a molecular level. The goal is to identify specific proteins that can serve as candidates for vaccine development.
A case study reports a 9-year-old Canadian child diagnosed with Tick-borne Powassan virus encephalitis after symptoms developed 1 week after a camping trip in northern Ontario. The authors emphasize the importance of broad arbovirus serology testing for patients presenting with encephalitis, particularly during summer and fall.
Researchers found that most Powassan-positive bites cause nonspecific presentations without symptoms, and estimated 3,000-5,000 people in the US are exposed to ticks carrying the virus each year. The study used a new testing approach to detect the virus in ticks and linked it to human disease outcomes.
A cross-sectional study of CTE patients found that years of contact sports participation are linked to substantia nigra pathology, leading to parkinsonism. The study suggests that repetitive head impacts may trigger neuropathologic processes in individuals with CTE.
Researchers investigate link between HPV vaccination and autoimmune disorder anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. Cases associated with HPV vaccination have been reported, but underlying mechanism unclear. The study uses phylogenetic analysis of microRNA biomarkers to explore this association.
Researchers developed a new triplex real-time PCR test to detect the emerging Powassan virus in deer ticks, improving sensitivity and accuracy. The method reduced false negative results, providing assurance that negative test results are true negatives.
A Swedish study found that up to 7% of blood donors had a history of TBE virus infection, affecting over 160,000 people. Vaccination coverage was estimated at 8-57% across different regions.
Researchers at DZNE and Charité developed a novel treatment for autoimmune encephalitis by reprogramming white blood cells to target misdirected antibodies. The new therapy, called CAAR-T cells, has shown accuracy in laboratory studies and is planned for clinical trials.
The new Clinical Research Unit will investigate autoantibodies' role in neurological disorders, focusing on diagnosis and treatment. Researchers expect innovative therapies for patients with previously suspected diseases.
Researchers at Max Delbrück Center developed a new model of the brain using human stem cells, which showed promise in treating HSV-1 induced encephalitis. By combining an anti-viral with an anti-inflammatory drug, they were able to prevent tissue damage and promote recovery.
A new study by UCL researchers hints at the possibility of detecting conditions such as coeliac disease and Parkinson's disease in principle up to 10 years before diagnosis. The review of existing evidence indicates a 'diagnostic window' – the point at which diagnosis may be possible for some patients.
Researchers at the University of California - Riverside have discovered a way to deactivate mosquito sperm, preventing them from swimming to or fertilizing eggs. This breakthrough could help control populations of Culex mosquitoes that transmit infectious diseases like encephalitis and West Nile Virus.
Researchers have developed a potential treatment for autoimmune encephalitis by creating an NMDA receptor fusion construct that neutralizes pathogenic antibodies. This innovative approach has shown promise in reducing signal transmission to neurons and may lead to improved treatment options for patients with this rare and serious disease.
Researchers found that measles virus mutations in its fusion protein allow it to infect nerve cells, leading to subacute sclerosing panencephalitis. The team's discovery sheds light on the evolutionary mechanisms of viruses like coronaviruses and herpesviruses.
Researchers have designed new mosquito repellents that surpass DEET's effectiveness while minimizing its drawbacks. The compounds provide human volunteers with over 95% protection from bites for at least eight hours, making them a promising alternative to traditional repellents.
A team of Rutgers physicians successfully treated a 5-year-old girl with anti-NMDAR encephalitis, a rare brain disorder, using blood plasma exchanges. The treatment, which involved nearly a dozen exchanges, led to the child's full recovery, highlighting the potential for late-stage treatment.
A review of evidence found that 2-3% of monkeypox patients experienced severe complications such as seizure or encephalitis. Mood disorders like depression and anxiety were also common among infected individuals.
Researchers have created a new mouse model that mimics brain damage caused by severe RVFV infection, enabling the study of disease mechanisms and high-throughput testing of next-generation drugs. This breakthrough has significant implications for developing therapies and vaccines for this devastating virus.
Researchers discovered a molecular switch in flavivirus that controls virus assembly, maturation, and entry into new cells. This switch is triggered by pH-dependent conformational changes in viral envelope proteins.
New study reveals how GABA A receptor antibodies inhibit neurotransmitter binding, leading to hyperexcitability and symptoms like twitching and seizures. The findings pave the way for developing effective therapies and further investigations into other diseases.
Researchers are conducting a five-year clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of inebilizumab, an intravenous drug that neutralizes B-cells, in treating NMDA receptor encephalitis. The study aims to identify biomarkers that can predict patient recovery and improve quality of life.
University of Illinois Chicago researchers discovered a function of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 in an antiviral defense mechanism, limiting HSV-1 virus infection through rapid activation of antiviral immunity. The protein complex protects the host by preventing encephalitis and possible death due to HSV-1 infection.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a simple blood test to detect treatment-triggered encephalitis in patients undergoing immunotherapy. The study found that markers such as S-100B and NFL can act as early warnings for encephalitis, allowing for timely administration of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified two antibodies that protect animals from disease caused by alphaviruses, which could form the basis of treatments or serve as a template for a universal vaccine. The antibodies worked against all tested alphaviruses and prevented arthritis and brain infections in animals.
The study evaluates the validity of diagnostic criteria for anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in children, revealing age-dependent symptom patterns. The sensitivity and specificity of the criteria were found to be high, with notable differences in presentation between pediatric and adult patients.
A new study describes broadly neutralizing antibodies that can prevent and potentially treat tick-borne encephalitis. These antibodies, known as VH3-48, have shown promise in preventing the disease and even treating it, as well as other tick-borne viruses.
A new study by UT Southwestern scientists reveals distinct characteristics of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and autoimmune encephalitis (AE), which may enable better treatment outcomes for patients. Slight differences in clinical features, lab results, and imaging findings can help distinguish between the two conditions.
Researchers at Hiroshima University have identified two novel genetic mutations in an infant with anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis, a condition that affects the brain's immune response. The new method uses a NF-κB reporter assay to precisely evaluate the harm caused by IRAK4 gene mutations.
Researchers developed a new decoding method to understand viral infections. They identified nine novel proteins encoded by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), including the pathogenic factor piUL49, which controls the onset mechanism of herpes encephalitis. The discovery is expected to lead to new treatments for HSV encephalitis.
A new study by University of Barcelona reveals that alterations in dopaminergic receptors D1R and D2R in the hippocampal area of the brain cause memory deficits and psychotic behaviour in mice with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. The findings hold promise for developing more efficient antipsychotic drugs.
A new study details the damaging role of the immune system in a severe brain condition caused by herpes simplex virus. Researchers have identified specific immune cells and a signalling protein that induce brain inflammation, paving the way for targeted treatments.
A new study found that biomarker MOG antibodies can accurately diagnose life-threatening autoimmune conditions in children, leading to complete or near-complete recovery after appropriate treatment. The study involved 535 children with central nervous system demyelinating disorders and encephalitis.
Researchers found genetic signs of Borna disease virus in brain tissue from patients with unknown cause of encephalitis, indicating a potential link to severe and deadly cases. The study suggests clinicians should test for BoDV-1 more often in patients with rapidly evolving central or peripheral nervous system disorders.
Integral Molecular to receive up to $5.5 million from NIAID to study antibody responses to Zika, Marburg and EEV viruses. The company's Shotgun Mutagenesis technology will aid in the discovery of vaccines and therapeutics against these deadly viruses.
A research team found that Dasatinib, a leukemia treatment, suppressed glial cell activity and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, inhibiting encephalitis reactions. The study revealed the efficacy of drug repositioning to treat degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer's.
The study reveals that dogs with inflammatory CNS disease have autoantibodies targeting neuronal cell surface proteins, similar to humans. The findings could lead to better diagnosis and treatment options for canine encephalitis.
Scientists from Skoltech identified substances with antiviral activity in humic substances extracted from brown coal, highlighting the potential of natural compounds for creating new drugs. The study's results show that flavonoids and polyphenols may be responsible for virucidal activity.
Researchers identified a unique biomarker, KLHL11, that targets autoantibodies in men with testicular cancer-associated paraneoplastic encephalitis. The discovery has the potential to diagnose this condition earlier and improve treatment outcomes for patients.
Researchers have successfully created 'humanized' antibodies that can neutralize human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B) infection. The antibodies target the gH/gL/gQ1/gQ2 protein complex and CD134 receptor, essential for HHV-6B infection.
Research suggests that low physical fitness, obesity, and a combination of both are strongly associated with chronic disability later in life. The study found that being physically fit is an important indicator of health regardless of BMI, reducing the risk of disability.
A George Mason University researcher has been awarded a $2.5 million grant to develop remedies for the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), which can cause long-term neurological problems and even death. The team aims to identify specific targets for therapeutic countermeasures and prevent the disease in mouse models.
Researchers have discovered that neurons themselves trigger the immune system response in Rasmussen's encephalitis, leading to synaptic damage. By blocking this signalling pathway, they may be able to develop new treatments for the disease.
A study by CIRAD researchers found that Japanese encephalitis circulates as intensely in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, as it does in rural areas. Vaccinating children remains the best way to protect humans, while vaccinating sows and controlling mosquitoes can reduce virus circulation.
Researchers found JE virus infection rates similar in rural and peri-urban pigs in Cambodia, with potential implications for vaccination strategies. The study's findings suggest that JE virus circulation is intense in both settings, highlighting the need for updated recommendations.
Kenneth Tyler's review article in the New England Journal of Medicine highlights the need for improved diagnosis and treatment of acute viral encephalitis. The condition, which affects about seven patients per 100,000 population annually, imposes a heavy economic burden on healthcare systems.
Researchers from Université de Montréal and CHU Sainte-Justine have made a major breakthrough in understanding Rasmussen's encephalitis, a rare inflammatory brain disease. Humanized mice studies have confirmed the disease is autoimmune, enabling precise diagnoses and personalized treatment.
For male anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis patients without tumors, plasmapheresis has been found to be an effective treatment strategy. Studies comparing treatments such as intravenous immunoglobulin and rituximab with plasmapheresis have shown that the latter is not inferior in efficacy.
A mass immunization campaign against Japanese encephalitis in Nepal resulted in a 78% reduction in JE cases and prevented an estimated 3,011 cases. The vaccine also cut the rate of acute encephalitis syndrome by 59%.
A single-center study in Brazil found Zika virus infection associated with a diverse spectrum of serious neurologic syndromes, including Guillain-Barré syndrome and encephalitis. The study suggests serologic and molecular testing as an alternative diagnostic strategy in developing countries.