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Uribe FR, González VPI, Kalergis AM, Soto JA, Bohmwald K. Understanding the Neurotrophic Virus Mechanisms and Their Potential Effect on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Development. Brain Sci 2024; 14:59. [PMID: 38248274 PMCID: PMC10813552 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14010059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) pathologies are a public health concern, with viral infections one of their principal causes. These viruses are known as neurotropic pathogens, characterized by their ability to infiltrate the CNS and thus interact with various cell populations, inducing several diseases. The immune response elicited by neurotropic viruses in the CNS is commanded mainly by microglia, which, together with other local cells, can secrete inflammatory cytokines to fight the infection. The most relevant neurotropic viruses are adenovirus (AdV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), enterovirus (EV), Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), and the newly discovered SARS-CoV-2. Several studies have associated a viral infection with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE) manifestations. This article will review the knowledge about viral infections, CNS pathologies, and the immune response against them. Also, it allows us to understand the relevance of the different viral proteins in developing neuronal pathologies, SLE and NPSLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe R. Uribe
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Laboratorio de Inmunología Traslacional, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 8370146, Chile; (F.R.U.); (V.P.I.G.)
| | - Valentina P. I. González
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Laboratorio de Inmunología Traslacional, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 8370146, Chile; (F.R.U.); (V.P.I.G.)
| | - Alexis M. Kalergis
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330025, Chile;
- Departamento de Endocrinología, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Jorge A. Soto
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Laboratorio de Inmunología Traslacional, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 8370146, Chile; (F.R.U.); (V.P.I.G.)
| | - Karen Bohmwald
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma, Santiago 8910060, Chile
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Marinho EPM, Ferreira EDS, Barrionuevo CCLB, Melo SA, Cordeiro JSM, Pinto SD, Monte RL, da Silva VA, Martins YF, Reis MF, Tufic-Garutti SDS, Sampaio VDS, de Castro DB, Feitoza PVS, da Rocha LA, de Lima Ferreira LC, Bastos MDS. Pediatric central nervous system infections in the Amazon: clinical and laboratory profiles. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1329091. [PMID: 38186717 PMCID: PMC10768178 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1329091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Central nervous system (CNS) infections are important causes of mortality and morbidity in children, and they are related to severe problems such as hearing loss, neurological sequelae, and death. The objective was to describe clinical and laboratory exam profiles of children who were diagnosed with CNS infections. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study based on medical records, which included pediatric patients aged from 3 months to 15 years, with a clinical suspicion of CNS infection between January 2014 to December 2019. The pathogens were confirmed in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples using Gram staining, cell culture, molecular diagnostics (PCR and qPCR), and serology. Results Out of the 689 enrolled patients, 108 (15.6%) had laboratory-confirmed infections in CSF. The most common bacterial pathogens isolated from the culture were Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C in 19, Streptococcus pneumoniae in 11, and Haemophilus influenzae in seven samples. The viruses identified were Enterovirus, Cytomegalovirus, Varicella-zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and arbovirus. No patient was found to be positive for Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2. Patients with viral infections showed altered levels of consciousness (p = 0.001) when compared to bacterial infections. Conclusion This study shows the presence of important vaccine-preventable pathogens, and different families of viruses causing CNS infections in the pediatric patients of Manaus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Monique Freire Reis
- Departamento de Patologia e Medicina Legal, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Departamento de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação Centro de Controle de Oncologia do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
| | | | | | - Daniel Barros de Castro
- Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Fundação de Vigilância em Saúde Dra. Rosemary Casta Pinto, Manaus, Brazil
| | | | - Lucia Alves da Rocha
- Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Hospital e Pronto Socorro da Criança Zona Oeste, Manaus, Brazil
| | | | - Michele de Souza Bastos
- Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil
- Fundação de Medicina Tropical Doutor Heitor Vieira Dourado, Manaus, Brazil
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Rohani H, Arjmand R, Mozhgani SH, Shafiee A, Javad Amini M, Forghani-Ramandi MM. The Worldwide Prevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus Encephalitis and Meningitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Turk Arch Pediatr 2023; 58:580-587. [PMID: 37553966 PMCID: PMC10724770 DOI: 10.5152/turkarchpediatr.2023.23007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Given the relatively high frequency of central nervous system infections and considerable mor- tality and morbidity reported to be caused by herpes simplex viruses among the other viral agents, having a clear knowledge about their epidemiological profile seems necessary. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the relative frequency and preva- lence of herpes simplex encephalitis and meningitis in patients tested for viral etiologies. A comprehensive systematic review was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, searching for studies on the prevalence and relative frequency of herpes sim- plex virus 1 and herpes simplex virus 2 encephalitis and meningitis. Seventy-one studies were included. Overall, the prevalence of herpes simplex virus encephalitis among patients tested was 8% (95% confidence interval, 6%-11%; I2 = 98%) and the prevalence of herpes simplex virus meningitis among aseptic patients tested was 4% (95% confidence interval, 3%-7%; I2 = 95%), and a significant difference was observed by region. The results of our subgroup analysis for herpes simplex virus encephalitis revealed a prevalence of 8% for pediatric patients and ado- lescents and 12% for adults. The results for herpes simplex virus meningitis showed a prevalence of 4% for pediatric patients and adolescents and 9% for adults. We observed significant differ- ences in the frequency of herpes simplex virus 1 and herpes simplex virus 2 detection rates by region. Having high rates of missed cases due to inadequate, highly sensitive paraclinical tests performed on patients with suspected viral central nervous system infection is one of the pos- sible factors. More studies are needed to detect the possible flaws in the process of diagnosis in different regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoorieh Rohani
- Student Research Committee, Alborz University of Medical Sciences Faculty of Medicine, Karaj, Iran
| | - Reza Arjmand
- Department of Pediatrics, Imam Ali Hospital, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Alborz, Karaj, Iran
| | - Sayed-Hamidreza Mozhgani
- Department of Microbiology, Alborz University of Medical Sciences Faculty of Medicine, Karaj, Iran
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Arman Shafiee
- Student Research Committee, Alborz University of Medical Sciences Faculty of Medicine, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Amini
- Student Research Committee, Alborz University of Medical Sciences Faculty of Medicine, Karaj, Iran
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Bozzola E, Barni S, Barone C, Perno CF, Maggioni A, Villani A. Human parechovirus meningitis in children: state of the art. Ital J Pediatr 2023; 49:144. [PMID: 37880789 PMCID: PMC10601212 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-023-01550-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Human Parechovirus is a common cause of infection occurring especially during the first years of life. It may present with a broad spectrum of manifestations, ranging from a pauci-symptomatic infection to a sepsis-like or central nervous system disease. Aim of this study is to explore the knowledge on Parechovirus meningitis. According to the purpose of the study, a systematic review of the literature focusing on reports on central nervous system. Parechovirus infection of children was performed following PRISMA criteria. Out of the search, 304 papers were identified and 81 records were included in the revision dealing with epidemiology, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, imaging, therapy and outcome. Parechovirus meningitis incidence may vary all over the world and outbreaks may occur. Fever is the most common symptom, followed by other non-specific signs and symptoms including irritability, poor feeding, skin rash or seizures. Although several reports describe favourable short-term neurodevelopmental outcomes at discharge after Parechovirus central nervous system infection, a specific follow up and the awareness on the risk of sequelae should be underlined in relation to the reported negative outcome. Evidence seems to suggest a correlation between magnetic imaging resonance alteration and a poor outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bozzola
- Pediatric Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Sarah Barni
- Pediatric Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Barone
- Pediatric Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Federico Perno
- Multimodal Research Area, Microbiology and Diagnostics of Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Villani
- Pediatric Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Yerdessov S, Zhunussova A, Imanova A, Gusmanov A, Sakko Y, Zhakhina G, Mussina K, Syssoyev D, Alimbayev A, Abbay A, Sarria-Santamera A, Gaipov A. Epidemiological characteristics and climatic variability of viral meningitis in Kazakhstan, 2014-2019. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1041135. [PMID: 36684964 PMCID: PMC9845948 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1041135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The comprehensive epidemiology and impact of climate on viral meningitis (VM) in Kazakhstan are unknown. We aimed to study the incidence, in-hospital mortality and influence of climatic indicators on VM from 2014 to 2019. Methods Nationwide electronic healthcare records were used to explore this study. ICD-10 codes of VM, demographics, and hospital outcomes were evaluated using descriptive statistics and survival analysis. Results During the 2014-2019 period, 10,251 patients with VM were admitted to the hospital. 51.35% of them were children, 57.85% were males, and 85.9% were from the urban population. Enteroviral meningitis was the main cause of VM in children. The incidence rate was 13 and 18 cases per 100,000 population in 2014 and 2019, respectively. Case fatality rate was higher in 2015 (2.3%) and 2017 (2.0%). The regression model showed 1°C increment in the daily average temperature might be associated with a 1.05-fold (95% CI 1.047-1.051) increase in the daily rate of VM cases, 1hPa increment in the average air pressure and 1% increment in the daily average humidity might contribute to a decrease in the daily rate of VM cases with IRRs of 0.997 (95% CI 0.995-0.998) and 0.982 (95% CI 0.981-0.983), respectively. In-hospital mortality was 35% higher in males compared to females. Patients residing in rural locations had a 2-fold higher risk of in-hospital death, compared to city residents. Elderly patients had a 14-fold higher risk of in-hospital mortality, compared to younger patients. Conclusion This is the first study in Kazakhstan investigating the epidemiology and impact of climate on VM using nationwide healthcare data. There was a tendency to decrease the incidence with outbreaks every 5 years, and mortality rates were higher for Russians and other ethnicities compared to Kazakhs, for males compared to females, for elder patients compared to younger patients, and for patients living in rural areas compared to city residents. The climatic parameters and the days of delay indicated a moderate interaction with the VM cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sauran Yerdessov
- Department of Science and Education, CF “University Medical Center”, Astana, Kazakhstan,Department of Medicine, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Assel Zhunussova
- Department of Medicine, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Aliya Imanova
- Stroke Center, City Multidisciplinary Hospital No. 2, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Arnur Gusmanov
- Department of Medicine, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Yesbolat Sakko
- Department of Medicine, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Gulnur Zhakhina
- Department of Medicine, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Kamilla Mussina
- Department of Medicine, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Dmitriy Syssoyev
- Department of Medicine, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Aidar Alimbayev
- Department of Medicine, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Anara Abbay
- Department of Medicine, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Abduzhappar Gaipov
- Department of Medicine, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, Kazakhstan,Clinical Academic Department of Internal Medicine, CF “University Medical Center”, Astana, Kazakhstan,*Correspondence: Abduzhappar Gaipov ✉
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Liu H, Zhang H, Zhang M, Changzeng F, Cong S, Xu D, Sun H, Yang Z, Ma S. Epidemiological and etiological characteristics of viral meningitis for hospitalized pediatric patients in Yunnan, China. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e29772. [PMID: 35777023 PMCID: PMC9239644 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000029772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral infection is the most common cause of aseptic meningitis. The purpose of this study was to identify the viruses responsible for aseptic meningitis to better understand the clinical presentations of this disease. METHOD Between March 2009 and February 2010, we collected 297 cerebrospinal fluid specimens from children with aseptic meningitis admitted to a pediatric hospital in Yunnan (China). Viruses were detected by using "in house" real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction or reverse-transcription real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction from these samples. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using the Molecular Evolutionary Genetic Analysis version 7.0 software, with the neighbor-joining method. RESULTS Viral infection was diagnosed in 35 of the 297 children (11.8%). The causative viruses were identified to be enteroviruses in 25 cases (71.4%), varicella-zoster virus in 5 cases (14.3%), herpes simplex virus 1 in 2 cases (5.7%), and herpes simplex virus 2, Epstein-Barr virus, and human herpesvirus 6 in 1 case each (2.9% each). Of the enteroviruses, coxsackievirus B5 was the most frequently detected serotype (10/25 cases; 40.0%) and all coxsackievirus B5 strains belonged to C group. CONCLUSIONS In the study, a causative virus was only found in the minority of cases, of them, enteroviruses were the most frequently detected viruses in patients with viral meningitis, followed by varicella-zoster virus and herpes simplex virus. Our findings underscore the need for enhanced surveillance and etiological study of aseptic meningitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbo Liu
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, PR China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research Development on Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, PR China
- Safety Evaluation Center, Sichuan Institute for Drug Control (Sichuan Testing Center of Medical Devices), Chengdu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control and Evaluation of Vaccines and Biological Products
| | - Haihao Zhang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, PR China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research Development on Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, PR China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, PR China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research Development on Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, PR China
| | - Feng Changzeng
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, PR China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research Development on Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, PR China
| | - Shanri Cong
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, PR China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research Development on Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, PR China
| | - Danhan Xu
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, PR China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research Development on Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, PR China
| | - Hao Sun
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, PR China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research Development on Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, PR China
| | - Zhaoqing Yang
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, PR China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research Development on Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, PR China
- * Correspondence: Zhaoqing, Yang or Shaohui Ma, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), 935 Jiao Ling Rd., Kunming, Yunnan Province 650118, PR China (e-mail: or )
| | - Shaohui Ma
- Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, PR China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research Development on Severe Infectious Disease, Kunming, PR China
- * Correspondence: Zhaoqing, Yang or Shaohui Ma, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), 935 Jiao Ling Rd., Kunming, Yunnan Province 650118, PR China (e-mail: or )
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Al-Qahtani SM, Shati AA, Alqahtani YA, Ali AS. Etiology, Clinical Phenotypes, Epidemiological Correlates, Laboratory Biomarkers and Diagnostic Challenges of Pediatric Viral Meningitis: Descriptive Review. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:923125. [PMID: 35783317 PMCID: PMC9249085 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.923125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Meningitis is an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord meninges caused by infectious and non-infectious agents. Infectious agents causing meningitis include viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Viral meningitis (VM), also termed aseptic meningitis, is caused by some viruses, such as enteroviruses (EVs), herpesviruses, influenza viruses, and arboviruses. However, EVs represent the primary cause of VM. The clinical symptoms of this neurological disorder may rapidly be observed after the onset of the disease, or take prolonged time to develop. The primary clinical manifestations of VM include common flu-like symptoms of headache, photophobia, fever, nuchal rigidity, myalgia, and fatigue. The severity of these symptoms depends on the patient's age; they are more severe among infants and children. The course of infection of VM varies between asymptomatic, mild, critically ill, and fatal disease. Morbidities and mortalities of VM are dependent on the early recognition and treatment of the disease. There were no significant distinctions in the clinical phenotypes and symptoms between VM and meningitis due to other causative agents. To date, the pathophysiological mechanisms of VM are unclear. In this scientific communication, a descriptive review was performed to give an overview of pediatric viral meningitis (PVM). PVM may occasionally result in severe neurological consequences such as mental retardation and death. Clinical examinations, including Kernig's, Brudzinski's, and nuchal rigidity signs, were attempted to determine the clinical course of PVM with various success rates revealed. Some epidemiological correlates of PVM were adequately reviewed and presented in this report. They were seen depending mainly on the causative virus. The abnormal cytological and biochemical features of PVM were also discussed and showed potentials to distinguish PVM from pediatric bacterial meningitis (PBM). The pathological, developmental, behavioral, and neuropsychological complications of PVM were also presented. All the previously utilized techniques for the etiological diagnosis of PVM which include virology, serology, biochemistry, and radiology, were presented and discussed to determine their efficiencies and limitations. Finally, molecular testing, mainly PCR, was introduced and showed 100% sensitivity rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh M Al-Qahtani
- Department of Child Health, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayed A Shati
- Department of Child Health, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Youssef A Alqahtani
- Department of Child Health, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdelwahid Saeed Ali
- Department of Microbiology and Clinical Parasitology, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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Jafri L, Farooq Khan A, Arshad T, Kanwar D. A Case Series on Enteroviral Meningitis in Pakistan. Cureus 2021; 13:e19048. [PMID: 34853761 PMCID: PMC8608667 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Enteroviruses (EVs) are the most common cause of viral meningitis with a peak incidence between late summer and fall. The onset of symptoms is characteristically abrupt and typically includes headache, fever, nausea or vomiting, malaise, photophobia, and meningismus. In addition, diarrhea, upper respiratory symptoms, and a rash may also be present. The clinical presentation and epidemiologic features help in the diagnosis and it is confirmed by the detection of RNA in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We present the clinical description, diagnosis, and management of five consecutive cases of viral meningitis secondary to enterovirus that presented to the emergency department at a tertiary care center in Karachi, Pakistan, over a span of five weeks during the monsoon season. These cases or outbreaks have not been reported previously in Pakistan and, hence, this case series is the first of its kind. All of our patients were young males, with ages between 18-35 years, did not have any prior co-morbidities, and resided in different localities of Karachi, Pakistan. The presenting complaints were severe headache in all five patients (100%), fever in all five patients (100%), and diarrhea in two out of five patients (40%). On examination, neck stiffness was present in all patients (100%). After the required workup and detection of RNA in the CSF by PCR, diagnosis of enteroviral meningitis was confirmed. The patients were given symptomatic treatment and discharged home with no neurologic complications. Aseptic meningitis occurring during the summer or fall is most likely to be caused by non-polio EVs (eg. coxsackievirus, echovirus, etc.). It is self-limiting and only requires supportive treatment. However, clinically it cannot be differentiated from other central nervous system infections and significant morbidity has been reported, including hospitalization and impairment of routine activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubna Jafri
- Neurology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, PAK
| | | | - Tooba Arshad
- Neurology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, PAK
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