Measles Virus and the Central Nervous System: An Update.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology

Background:

• Measles is a deadly, vaccine-preventable disease globally.
• Vaccination has eliminated endemic measles in the US, but outbreaks occur due to imported cases and undervaccination.
• Measles virus can lead to severe, long-term central nervous system (CNS) complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the sequelae of measles virus infection, focusing on CNS complications.
• To discuss the pathogenesis, clinical presentations, and treatment challenges of measles-associated neurological diseases.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of measles virus and associated CNS diseases.
• Analysis of pathogenesis and pathological effects of different measles-related encephalitides.
• Synthesis of current understanding of clinical presentations and treatment.

Main Results:

• Measles-associated CNS diseases include primary measles encephalitis, acute postinfectious measles encephalomyelitis, measles inclusion body encephalitis, and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.
• These conditions arise from complex brain-virus-immune interactions.
• All forms can result in severe, permanent brain injury.

Conclusions:

• Effective treatments for measles-associated CNS diseases are currently lacking.
• Understanding the pathogenesis is crucial for developing future therapies.
• Continued vigilance against measles importation and promotion of vaccination are essential.