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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...

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

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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...

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...

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a term introduced by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler in 1911, describes a severe psychological disorder marked by profound disruptions in attention, thought processes, language, emotion, and interpersonal relationships. The core feature of schizophrenia is psychosis — a state characterized by a fundamental detachment from reality. This disconnection manifests through distorted logic, impaired perception, and atypical behavior, severely affecting the lives of those diagnosed.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Derivation, Expansion, Cryopreservation and Characterization of Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Derivation, Expansion, Cryopreservation and Characterization of Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Published on: November 19, 2020

[Schizophrenia--a mild encephalitis?].

¹Abteilung Psychiatrie, Bezirkskrankenhaus Günzburg. Karl.Bechter@bkh-guenzburg.de

Fortschritte Der Neurologie-Psychiatrie

|May 1, 2013

Summary

The mild encephalitis hypothesis suggests low-level neuroinflammation (LLNI) underlies some psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia. This model integrates genetic, environmental, and immune factors, supported by epidemiological and clinical evidence.

Area of Science:

Neuroimmunology
Psychiatry
Experimental Neuroimmunology

Context:

Low-level neuroinflammation (LLNI) is increasingly recognized in experimental neuroimmunology.
LLNI is a potential core mechanism explaining psychopathology in severe psychiatric disorders.
The mild encephalitis (ME) hypothesis proposes LLNI as a central factor in specific psychiatric conditions, especially schizophrenia.

Purpose:

To explore the mild encephalitis (ME) hypothesis for severe psychiatric disorders, focusing on schizophrenia.
To investigate the role of low-level neuroinflammation (LLNI) in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders.
To examine the interplay of genetic, environmental (infectious agents), and immune system factors in the ME model.

Summary:

The ME hypothesis posits LLNI as a key factor in a subgroup of schizophrenia, aligning with epidemiological and clinical findings.

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Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Published on: July 4, 2007

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Last Updated: May 11, 2026

Derivation, Expansion, Cryopreservation and Characterization of Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Derivation, Expansion, Cryopreservation and Characterization of Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Published on: November 19, 2020

Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Published on: July 4, 2007

Schizophrenia's epidemiology and course are compatible with the ME hypothesis, suggesting a potentially large affected subgroup.

Risk factors include severe infectious and autoimmune diseases, with clinical evidence like activated monocytes, proteome changes, and neuroimaging findings supporting the hypothesis.

Impact:

Provides a framework for understanding psychopathology influenced by LLNI.
Highlights the potential significance of neuroinflammation in psychiatric disorders.
Suggests a large subgroup of schizophrenia may be linked to LLNI, impacting treatment strategies.