Articles tagged with Encephalitis
Researchers found structural brain damage in the hippocampus, a key memory region, that correlates with memory performance and disease severity in patients with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. The autoimmune disorder can cause schizophrenia-like symptoms and long-term cognitive impairment if not treated promptly.
Researchers propose a novel storage system using pre-cut filter paper to store dried cerebrospinal fluid samples. The method was tested on 132 samples, showing high accuracy in detecting Japanese encephalitis virus antibodies.
A recent study found that the chikungunya virus can lead to severe brain infections, including encephalitis, with a higher incidence rate than West Nile virus and similar infections in the US. The infection is particularly severe in infants and people over 65, with a high death rate of 17% and long-term disabilities reported.
The invasive mosquito has been found in Western Canada and is native to Asia. Researchers are studying its DNA to understand its origin and potential health hazards.
The invasive Aedes japonicus mosquito has been found in western Canada, carrying diseases like La Crosse encephalitis and dengue. The discovery was made in a suburb of Vancouver, British Columbia, in February 2015.
Scientists solve the mystery of polar bear Knut's encephalitis, a rare autoimmune disease previously known only in humans. The discovery provides new insights into the possible prevalence of autoimmunity in humans and other mammals.
A 14-year-old boy's rapid recovery from brain-inflaming encephalitis thanks to next-generation sequencing techniques. The innovative approach, developed at UCSF, enables quick diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, revolutionizing clinical laboratory practices.
Johns Hopkins researchers found that severe swelling in the brain, continuous seizures, and low blood platelet counts are linked to death from encephalitis. Aggressive treatment of these conditions may improve survival rates for affected patients.
Researchers found that a small percentage of patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis experience isolated psychiatric symptoms, which can be treated with immunotherapies. The study suggests that abnormal test findings or subtle neurological symptoms should prompt screening for the condition.
The article reviews the epidemiology, characteristics, and prevention of West Nile virus, which has produced the largest arboviral neuroinvasive disease outbreaks in the US. The authors highlight the importance of sustainable community-based surveillance and vector management programs.
Researchers link black-legged ticks to an increased risk of Powassan encephalitis, a rare but serious illness with a 10-15% fatality rate. The study found deer tick virus in over 13,500 ticks, with infected adult ticks concentrated east of the Hudson River.
Researchers developed a method to identify the cause of infectious disease outbreaks based on online reports and data from ProMED-mail. The findings showed that three-quarters of disease outbreaks formed distinct clusters, and previously unknown outbreaks could be correctly identified 88% of the time.
Researchers found that early treatment can significantly improve outcomes for a rare and often undiagnosed form of encephalitis. The study analyzed 565 cases of Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis and determined that second-line therapy improves outcomes compared to repeating treatments or no additional treatments.
A recent study in The Lancet Infectious Diseases identified herpes simplex virus and varicella zoster virus as the most common causes of encephalitis in the UK. However, up to 85% of patients worldwide have an unknown cause, emphasizing the need for further research to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
Researchers have sequenced the genome of the Southern house mosquito, a key vector for diseases such as West Nile virus, encephalitis, and elephantiasis. The study reveals insights into the mosquito's genetic structure and potential targets for disease prevention.
A 70-year-old woman presented with confusion and memory loss, leading to a misdiagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. However, treatment with cyclophosphamide infusions and steroids revealed an alternative diagnosis of limbic encephalitis.
Researchers identify LGI1 as the main target of autoantibodies in patients with limbic encephalitis, leading to a new diagnostic test and potential therapeutic strategies for other neurological disorders. The findings also suggest that limbic encephalitis should be classified as an autoimmune synaptic encephalopathy.
The study identified the B1-receptor as a key player in regulating T cell entry into the central nervous system. Activation of this receptor slows down T cell entry and reduces clinical symptoms of inflammation in multiple sclerosis, suggesting a potential new target for therapy.
A study in mice identified Toll-like receptor 7 as a critical molecule in detecting West Nile virus and recruiting immune cells to clear the infection. The research suggests that drug therapies targeting this signaling pathway could enhance the immune response and promote clearance of the deadly virus.
Researchers identify increased fatty acids and phospholipids in CSF of SIV-infected monkeys, linked to CNS damage. The study provides insights into mechanisms of CNS damage in HIV patients using global metabolomics approach.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch have created new vaccines for West Nile and Japanese encephalitis viruses, showing promise in providing immunity against these deadly diseases. The 'pseudoinfectious' vaccines use genetically modified viruses that can only infect a single cell, mimicking a viral infection without am...
A new analysis of the genome of St Louis encephalitis has shed light on its evolution, tracing the virus back to South America and identifying a single mutation that made it pathogenic to humans. The research suggests that population dynamics and point mutations played a key role in the virus's adaptation to humans.
Researchers suggest that minocycline can limit Japanese Encephalitis (JE) death by reducing neuronal death, microgliosis, and viral titre. The study found that treatment with minocycline provides complete protection against experimental JE, improving behavioral outcome as well.
Infection with West Nile Virus increases plasma and spinal fluid MIF levels, improving survival in mice; delayed viral neuroinvasion allows clearance of the virus.
Researchers have identified a single gene mutation that predisposes individuals to herpes simplex encephalitis, an infectious disease that can cause mental retardation and death. A new treatment strategy involving type I interferon may accelerate recovery and limit brain damage.
Researchers found a unique genetic mutation that makes people susceptible to herpes simplex virus-1, leading to viral encephalitis. The study challenges current thinking on how genes work with infections, providing new insights into the immune system's response to pathogens.
A new study found that removing deer from small areas can lead to increased tick populations and higher rates of tick-borne diseases. In contrast to previous studies, researchers discovered that smaller deer-free zones tend to harbor more ticks, making them potential disease hotspots.
A study of 49 patients diagnosed with West Nile fever found that half experienced ongoing health complaints, including fatigue, memory problems, and depression, similar to those who had more severe forms of the disease. The research suggests that West Nile virus may cause a spectrum of illness and damage to the brain.
A study found that Japanese encephalitis is prevalent in Bali, particularly among children under 10 years old. The annual incidence rate for this age group was 8.2 per 100,000, resulting in nine deaths and 31 cases of serious neurological disability.
A study by Gibson and Mace found that villages with improved water supply in rural Ethiopia experienced a significant increase in birth rates, contradicting the expected reduction in fertility. The researchers suggest that development programs should be more comprehensive, incorporating access to contraceptives.
A single dose of live-attenuated SA 14-14-2 Japanese encephalitis vaccine is highly effective, providing 98.5% protection against the disease 12-15 months after immunization. This finding supports the integration of a single-dose vaccine into the WHO Expanded Programme on Immunisation schedule.
Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism used by tick-borne flaviviruses to counteract the natural ability of interferon to combat the virus. The study found that NS5 protein blocks immune defenses, preventing the immune system from stopping the spread of the virus and helping the body recover from infection.
A pilot project by Voxiva and PATH aims to track and reduce Japanese encephalitis incidence through improved surveillance and response. The system uses phone and web-based technology to collect and analyze data, enabling health officials to respond quickly to reported cases and identify outbreaks.
A University of Toronto study found that West Nile virus encephalitis is a common neurological manifestation in hospitalized patients, often leading to severe neuromuscular dysfunction. The study's authors recommend electrodiagnostic testing for unexplained weakness and critically ill patients to rule out acute flaccid paralysis syndrome.
Researchers have successfully used PET imaging to detect dementia in macaque models. The study utilized the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor to identify macrophage activity, which is linked to neurodegeneration.
The NIAID has launched a clinical trial to test an immunoglobulin product containing antibodies to West Nile virus (WNV) in treating severe WNV encephalitis. The study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of this treatment in preventing death or neurologic disability.
A study found that viral encephalitis can lead to severe movement disorders such as tremor, myoclonus, chorea, and ballismus. These disorders required heavy sedation or pharmacologic paralysis and resulted in significantly longer hospital stays compared to non-affected patients.
Apoptosis, a programmed cell death mechanism, has been linked to herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE), a devastating brain infection. The study found that apoptotic cells were present in HSE patients and correlated with active infection and tissue injury.
Researchers determined the three-dimensional structure of the dengue virus, providing insights into viral infection processes. The discovery may aid in developing antiviral compounds to target flavivirus diseases.
Researchers have found that a Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine may also protect people from the most serious complication associated with West Nile virus infection. The study tested two vaccines in hamsters and found that they provided better protection than other options, including a yellow fever vaccine.
Tick-borne encephalitis incidence in Sweden has increased since the mid-1980s, with mild winters and early spring favouring tick activity being key contributors. Climate change is also linked to changes in host animal populations and access to vaccination.
A study found that tick-borne diseases are a major concern for travelers, with over 100 viruses and bacteria transmitted through ticks. The most serious problem is posed by hard ticks, which can cause mild irritation but also transmit fatal diseases like Lyme disease and tick-borne typhus.