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Published on: August 18, 2015
Infectious causes of stroke
Jennifer E Fugate1, Jennifer L Lyons2, Kiran T Thakur3
1Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
Abstract:
Most infectious pathogens have anecdotal evidence to support a link with stroke, but certain pathogens have more robust associations, in which causation is probable. Few dedicated prospective studies of stroke in the setting of infection have been done. The use of head imaging, a clinical standard of diagnostic care, to confirm stroke and stroke type is not universal. Data for stroke are scarce in locations where infections are probably most common, making it difficult to reach conclusions on how populations differ in terms of risk of infectious stroke. The treatment of infections and stroke, when concomitant, is based on almost no evidence and requires dedicated efforts to understand variations that might exist. We highlight the present knowledge and emphasise the need for stronger evidence to assist in the diagnosis, treatment, and secondary prevention of stroke in patients in whom an infectious cause for stroke is probable.
Insights
Infectious pathogens are linked to stroke, but more research is needed to confirm causation and guide treatment. Understanding infectious stroke risk requires better data, especially in high-prevalence areas.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Infectious pathogens are anecdotally linked to stroke, with some pathogens showing probable causal associations.
- Dedicated prospective studies on infection-related stroke are limited.
- Diagnostic imaging for stroke confirmation is not universally applied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on infectious causes of stroke.
- To highlight the need for stronger evidence in diagnosis, treatment, and secondary prevention of infectious stroke.
- To address data scarcity in regions where infections are most common.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on infectious pathogens and stroke.
- Analysis of diagnostic practices, including head imaging.
- Examination of data availability concerning infectious stroke risk globally.
Main Results:
- Robust associations exist between certain pathogens and stroke, suggesting probable causation.
- Significant gaps in prospective research and universal diagnostic imaging hinder definitive conclusions.
- Limited data exists for infectious stroke risk in diverse global populations.
Conclusions:
- Stronger evidence is crucial for managing infectious stroke.
- Further research is needed to improve diagnosis, treatment, and secondary prevention strategies.
- Addressing data gaps is essential for understanding population-specific risks of infectious stroke.
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