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Published on: December 2, 2012
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Viral encephalitis in travellers.
1Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK anna.aryee@gstt.nhs.uk.
Clinical Medicine (London, England)
|February 5, 2015
Summary
Viral encephalitis in UK travellers presents with fever, headache, and altered mental state. Early acyclovir treatment is crucial for suspected cases, especially herpes simplex encephalitis, due to high mortality.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Travel Medicine
Background:
- Viral infections are a leading cause of encephalitis globally.
- Encephalitis presents a significant diagnostic and management challenge, particularly in returning travellers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To inform UK clinicians on the presentation, diagnosis, and management of viral encephalitis in travellers.
- To highlight key diagnostic clues and essential treatment protocols for imported viral encephalitis.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical presentations, diagnostic findings, and epidemiological data for viral encephalitis in travellers.
- Emphasis on diagnostic approaches including neuroimaging and laboratory analyses (PCR).
Main Results:
- Classical presentation includes fever, headache, and altered mental state.
- Herpes simplex virus is the most common cause in high/middle-income countries, with untreated cases having >70% mortality.
- Specific PCR testing is available for imported pathogens.
Conclusions:
- Prompt empirical treatment with acyclovir is vital for suspected encephalitis, irrespective of travel history.
- Clinical vigilance and diagnostic testing are essential for managing viral encephalitis in travellers.
- Understanding aetiology aids targeted treatment and public health surveillance.
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