Oropouche virus infection and neurological involvement: a hypothesis-generating neuroimmune framework

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Epidemiology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Oropouche virus (OROV), an orthobunyavirus, historically caused febrile illness in the Amazon.
• Recent data show increased OROV cases and geographic spread across the Americas.
• Neurological manifestations, including meningitis and encephalitis, are increasingly reported.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the evolving epidemiology of Oropouche virus.
• To propose a conceptual framework for OROV-induced neuroimmune activation.
• To guide future research on OROV's neurological impact.

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiological data from PAHO and WHO.
• Analysis of experimental and ex vivo studies on neural tissue.
• Application of viral neuroimmunology principles.

Main Results:

• OROV cases surged in 2024, with expansion into new regions and countries.
• Imported OROV infections detected in North America and Europe.
• Studies indicate neural permissiveness and potential CNS interaction by OROV.

Conclusions:

• A framework is proposed linking OROV infection to neuroimmune responses.
• Potential for neurological manifestations warrants further investigation.
• Long-term sequelae require systematic characterization.