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A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
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Neurological Sequelae Resulting from Encephalitic Alphavirus Infection
Shannon E Ronca1, Kelly T Dineley2, Slobodan Paessler3
1Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TXUSA; Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TXUSA.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|July 6, 2016
Summary
Viral infections like Venezuelan, Western, and Eastern equine encephalitis viruses (VEEV, WEEV, EEEV) can cause long-term neurological deficits. Understanding these sequelae is crucial for developing effective treatments and interventions.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Alphaviruses, including VEEV, WEEV, and EEEV, are arboviruses transmitted by mosquitoes, causing significant human health issues.
- Neurological deficits (sequelae) following viral infections, particularly encephalitis, represent a substantial clinical challenge.
- Despite decades of awareness, the mechanisms underlying these long-term neurological complications remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of documented clinical cases of VEEV, WEEV, and EEEV infections over the past century.
- To summarize the reported neurological sequelae associated with these alphavirus infections.
- To discuss the application and considerations of animal models in studying viral encephalopathies and their sequelae.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical clinical case documentation related to VEEV, WEEV, and EEEV infections.
- Compilation and analysis of reported neurological sequelae from scientific literature.
- Discussion of the utility and practical aspects of employing animal models for mechanistic and therapeutic research.
Main Results:
- Alphavirus infections, particularly VEEV, WEEV, and EEEV, have been associated with a range of neurological sequelae.
- These sequelae can manifest as cognitive, sensory, or motor deficits, and in severe cases, emotional instability and seizures.
- The review highlights the persistent impact of these viral infections on survivors.
Conclusions:
- A significant knowledge gap exists regarding the mechanisms driving neurological sequelae after alphavirus encephalitis.
- Animal models are essential tools for elucidating these mechanisms and for testing potential interventional strategies.
- Further research is needed to improve the understanding and management of long-term neurological complications from VEEV, WEEV, and EEEV infections.
