Meningoencephalitis Associated with Zika Virus and Chikungunya Virus Infection
Gabriella de Almeida Oliveira Evangelista1,2, Rejane Hughes Carvalho1, Gabriela Sant'Ana Menezes1
1Laboratory of Virology, Health Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Brazil.
Abstract:
The etiology of viral meningoencephalitis is frequently unidentified. Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) are known to affect the central nervous system and should therefore be considered in the diagnosis of meningoencephalitis, as its outcome may be influenced by the etiologic agent, age, and immunological condition of the patient. In this study, we aimed to determine whether CHIKV and ZIKV were the etiological agents of viral encephalitis in patients with meningoencephalitis admitted to the main hospital of infectious diseases in the city of Salvador, Brazil. Of the 1,049 patients with neurological symptoms who were admitted to the hospital during the study period, 149 were enrolled and 20 (13.34%) tested positive for ZIKV (12%) or CHIKV (1.34%). No specific clinical manifestations were observed to be associated with ZIKV or CHIKV infections. Determination of the etiological agent of meningitis and encephalitis is important for patient management and appropriate treatment.
Insights
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) can cause meningoencephalitis. This study found CHIKV and ZIKV in 13.34% of patients with neurological symptoms in Salvador, Brazil, highlighting their role in viral encephalitis diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- The cause of viral meningoencephalitis is often unknown.
- Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) are arboviruses that can impact the central nervous system.
- Identifying the etiological agent is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of CHIKV and ZIKV as causes of viral encephalitis in patients with meningoencephalitis.
- To determine if these viruses were responsible for neurological symptoms in patients admitted to a major infectious disease hospital in Salvador, Brazil.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 149 patients with neurological symptoms was enrolled from a total of 1,049 admissions.
- Diagnostic testing was performed to detect the presence of CHIKV and ZIKV.
- Statistical analysis was used to determine the etiological agents and associated factors.
Main Results:
- Out of 149 enrolled patients, 20 (13.34%) tested positive for either ZIKV (12%) or CHIKV (1.34%).
- No specific clinical features differentiated ZIKV or CHIKV infections from other causes of meningoencephalitis.
- The etiological agent was identified in a significant portion of the studied cases.
Conclusions:
- CHIKV and ZIKV are relevant etiological agents in viral meningoencephalitis cases in Salvador, Brazil.
- Early etiological diagnosis is essential for effective patient management and treatment strategies.
- Further research may elucidate specific clinical presentations and risk factors associated with these viral infections.
