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Updated: Feb 3, 2026
In Vitro Selection of Aptamers to Differentiate Infectious from Non-Infectious Viruses
Published on: September 7, 2022
Infectious Myelopathies
Mayra Montalvo1, Tracey A Cho2
1Department of Neurology, Brown University, Rhode Island Hospital, 222 Richmond Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA.
Abstract:
Infectious diseases are an important cause of spinal cord dysfunction. Infectious myelopathies are of growing concern given increasing global travel and migration and expanding prevention and treatment with vaccinations, antibiotics, and antiretrovirals. Clinicians must recognize these pathologies because outcomes can dramatically improve with prompt diagnosis and management. We provide a complete review of the most frequent infectious agents that can affect the spinal cord. For each pathogen we describe epidemiology, pathophysiology, anatomic location, characteristic clinical syndromes, diagnostic approach, treatment, and prognosis. The review includes spinal imaging from selected cases.
Insights
Infectious myelopathies, affecting the spinal cord, are increasingly recognized due to global travel. Prompt diagnosis and management of these infections are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Spinal Cord Medicine
Background:
- Infectious diseases represent a significant cause of spinal cord dysfunction.
- Infectious myelopathies are a growing global health concern, influenced by increased travel and migration.
- Advances in vaccinations, antibiotics, and antiretrovirals impact the prevention and treatment landscape.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of common infectious agents affecting the spinal cord.
- To detail the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentations, and diagnostic strategies for spinal cord infections.
- To outline current treatment options and prognostic factors for infectious myelopathies.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of literature on infectious agents causing myelopathy.
- Analysis of epidemiological data, pathophysiology, and clinical syndromes associated with spinal cord infections.
- Inclusion of characteristic spinal imaging findings from representative cases.
Main Results:
- Identification of the most frequent infectious pathogens impacting the spinal cord.
- Detailed description of the clinical and diagnostic features for each pathogen.
- Emphasis on the variability in presentation, treatment, and prognosis based on the causative agent.
Conclusions:
- Recognizing infectious myelopathies is critical for clinicians.
- Timely diagnosis and appropriate management significantly improve clinical outcomes.
- This review serves as a resource for understanding and managing spinal cord infections.
