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Viral etiologies of encephalitis in Thai children

K Chokephaibulkit1, P Kankirawatana, S Apintanapong

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. sikch@mahidol.ac.th

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|February 27, 2001
PubMed

Insights

This study identified viral causes in 65% of childhood encephalitis cases in Bangkok. Dengue virus and Japanese encephalitis virus were the most common infectious agents found.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • Childhood encephalitis presents a significant public health challenge globally.
  • Etiological diagnosis is crucial for effective management and prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the specific viral agents responsible for childhood encephalitis in Bangkok.
  • To determine the etiological spectrum of pediatric encephalitis in a tropical urban setting.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study was conducted in Bangkok between 1996 and 1998.
  • Viral etiology was investigated in 40 children diagnosed with encephalitis.

Main Results:

  • Viral agents were identified in 26 (65%) of the 40 children.
  • Dengue virus (8 cases) and Japanese encephalitis virus (6 cases) were the most prevalent.
  • Herpes simplex virus (4 cases) and human herpes virus type 6 (3 cases) were also identified.

Conclusions:

  • A significant proportion of childhood encephalitis cases in Bangkok are attributable to identifiable viral pathogens.
  • Surveillance for common and emerging viral infections is essential for controlling pediatric encephalitis.

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