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In Vivo Imaging Systems (IVIS) Detection of a Neuro-Invasive Encephalitic Virus
Published on: December 2, 2012
Stealth virus epidemic in the Mohave Valley: severe vacuolating encephalopathy in a child presenting with a
1Center for Complex Infectious Diseases, Rosemead, California 91770, USA.
Abstract:
An infectious illness, attributed to atypically structured cytopathic "stealth" viruses, occurred in 1996 in the Mohave Valley region of the United States. A stealth virus-infected child from this region has developed a severe noninflammatory, vacuolating (spongiform) en cephalopathy. The illness initially presented as a behavioral problem without overt neurological signs. Extensive investigations, including repeated magnetic resonance imaging, two brain biopsies, and stealth virus cultures, have helped define the disease process occurring in this child. Significant clinical benefit with apparent retardation of disease progression occurred during a 6-week course of ganciclovir therapy. The potential contributing role of stealth virus infections in children presenting with behavioral problems needs to be addressed.
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