Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

04:23
A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
Published on: April 28, 2019
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis after leptospirosis
Susana S R Lelis1, Luiz F Fonseca, Christovão C Xavier
1Department of Pediatric Neurology, Infantil João Paulo II Hospital, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. susanasatuf@gmail.com
Pediatric Neurology
|May 13, 2009
Summary
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis can occur after Leptospira interrogans infection. Early diagnosis and treatment of this neurological complication are crucial for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Leptospirosis, caused by Leptospira interrogans, is prevalent globally, particularly in developing nations.
- Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by widespread inflammation in the brain and spinal cord.
Observation:
- This report details a case of ADEM following Leptospira interrogans infection.
- A review of existing literature identified limited documented cases of ADEM and other central nervous system disorders linked to leptospirosis.
Findings:
- The study highlights a potential association between Leptospira interrogans infection and the development of ADEM.
- The findings underscore the importance of considering leptospirosis in the differential diagnosis of ADEM.
Implications:
- Prompt and thorough investigation for leptospirosis is essential for accurate diagnosis of neurological complications.
- Early treatment of leptospirosis can significantly improve prognosis, reducing morbidity and mortality associated with ADEM.
Related Concept Videos
Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Arboviral Encephalitis
Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
Rabies
Rabies is a lethal zoonotic disease caused by a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus of the Lyssavirus genus, within the family Rhabdoviridae. Its primary mode of transmission to humans is through bites or saliva-contaminated scratches from infected mammals such as dogs, bats, raccoons, or foxes. Transmission can also occur if infectious saliva contacts abraded skin or intact mucous membranes, including the conjunctiva.Viral Entry and Early ReplicationOnce introduced at the bite or scratch...
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, poses significant public health challenges globally due to its high seroprevalence and varied clinical manifestations. As an obligate intracellular parasite, T. gondii can infect all warm-blooded vertebrates, but felids are its only definitive hosts, shedding unsporulated oocysts into the environment. Humans typically acquire the infection through ingestion of tissue cysts in undercooked meat or oocysts from...

