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Arboviral Encephalitis

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...

Encephalitis l: Introduction

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...

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

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...

Viral Meningitis

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...

Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the yellow fever virus (YFV), a member of the Flaviviridae family. It is transmitted primarily by Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and South America. After transmission through a mosquito bite, the virus initially replicates in skin-resident immune cells such as dendritic cells and macrophages. These cells then migrate to the lymph nodes, where viral replication increases, eventually leading to...

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Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Detection of Infectious Virus from Field-collected Mosquitoes by Vero Cell Culture Assay

Detection of Infectious Virus from Field-collected Mosquitoes by Vero Cell Culture Assay

Published on: June 9, 2011

West Nile virus infections.

Kymberly A Gyure¹

¹Department of Pathology, West Virginia University, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA. kgyure@hsc.wvu.edu

Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology

|November 18, 2009

Summary

West Nile virus (WNV) causes epidemic meningoencephalitis in North America. While primarily mosquito-borne, WNV can spread through transfusions, transplants, and occupational exposure, with supportive care being the main treatment.

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Last Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Detection of Infectious Virus from Field-collected Mosquitoes by Vero Cell Culture Assay

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Published on: June 9, 2011

Isolation and Quantification of Zika Virus from Multiple Organs in a Mouse

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In Vitro Analysis of Myd88-mediated Cellular Immune Response to West Nile Virus Mutant Strain Infection

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Published on: November 27, 2014

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Infectious Diseases
Public Health

Background:

West Nile virus (WNV) is endemic in North America, causing epidemic meningoencephalitis and arboviral encephalitis.
Humans are incidental hosts, infected primarily through mosquito bites, but also via blood products, organ transplants, and occupational exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

To summarize the epidemiology, transmission, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, pathology, and control of West Nile virus in North America.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on West Nile virus.
Analysis of epidemiological data, clinical case studies, diagnostic methods, and pathological findings.
Evaluation of treatment and prevention strategies.

Main Results:

Neuroinvasive disease affects approximately 1 in 150 patients, with older age and immunosuppression as risk factors.
Diagnosis relies on serological tests, with RT-PCR useful for blood screening and surveillance.
Pathological findings include microglial nodules and inflammation consistent with viral meningoencephalitis.

Conclusions:

West Nile virus poses a significant public health threat in North America, necessitating vector control and awareness of transmission routes.
Early diagnosis and supportive care are crucial for managing WNV infections, particularly neuroinvasive cases.
Continued surveillance and research are vital for effective WNV prevention and control strategies.