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[Meningoencephalitis caused by Toscana virus in Czech travelers returning from the Mediterranean]

H Zelená1, R Kumštarová, J Skárek

  • 1Institute of Public Health in Ostrava, Czech Republic,

Klinicka Mikrobiologie a Infekcni Lekarstvi
|June 25, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Three patients returning from the Mediterranean developed aseptic meningoencephalitis. Toscana virus, transmitted by sandflies, was identified as the cause, highlighting its importance in neuroinfection differential diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • Aseptic meningoencephalitis is a significant neurological concern.
  • Travelers returning from endemic regions may present with unusual infections.

Observation:

  • Three patients returning from Mediterranean tourist areas developed aseptic meningoencephalitis.
  • Standard neuroinfection pathogens in the Czech Republic were not detected.

Findings:

  • Serological tests confirmed Toscana virus (a phlebovirus, Bunyaviridae family) as the causative agent in all three cases.
  • Toscana virus is transmitted by Phlebotomus sandflies prevalent in the Mediterranean.

Implications:

  • Toscana virus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of aseptic neuroinfections in travelers from endemic areas.
  • This arbovirus poses a potential risk to tourists visiting Mediterranean regions.

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