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Updated: May 14, 2026

A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
Published on: April 28, 2019
Dengue: a new challenge for neurology
Marzia Puccioni-Sohler1, Marco Orsini, Cristiane N Soares
1Serviço Patologia Clínica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho/Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (HUCFF/UFRJ); Unidade de Neuroinfecção, Hospital Universitário Gaffree e Guinle/Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (HUGG/UNIRIO) and Neurolife Laboratory, Rio de Janeiro;
Dengue infection can cause serious neurological problems, including encephalitis and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Early diagnosis using dengue serology and cerebrospinal fluid analysis is crucial, though treatment remains challenging.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Dengue fever is a significant global health threat in tropical and subtropical regions, affecting 40% of the world's population.
- Clinical presentations of dengue range from mild illness to severe hemorrhagic fever, with a recent increase in reported neurological manifestations.
- Neuropathogenesis is linked to viral invasion, autoimmune responses, and metabolic/hemorrhagic disturbances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the neurological manifestations of dengue infection.
- To discuss diagnostic approaches for neurological complications of dengue.
- To highlight challenges in treating neurological dengue and the potential impact of a vaccine.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on dengue infection and its neurological complications.
- Analysis of diagnostic methods including serology and cerebrospinal fluid analysis.
- Discussion of neuropathogenesis and treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Neurological manifestations include encephalitis, encephalopathy, meningitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, myelitis, and others.
- Positive dengue serology (Immunoglobulin M) alongside neurological symptoms aids diagnosis.
- Detection of viral antigens, IgM antibodies, and intrathecal antibody synthesis in CSF confirms CNS involvement.
Conclusions:
- Neurological complications are a serious concern in dengue infection.
- Diagnostic tools are improving, particularly with CSF analysis.
- Effective treatment for neurological dengue remains a significant challenge, underscoring the need for preventative measures like vaccination.
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