[Viral neuraxitis. Epidemiological and clinical aspects]

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Neurology
• Immunology

Context:

• Presents a series of seven acute neuraxitis cases observed in Alessandria between 1975 and 1977.
• Investigates neuraxitis etiologies including Coxsackie B3, mumps, measles, and influenza B viruses.

Purpose:

• To describe the epidemiological, immunological, and clinical characteristics of acute neuraxitis cases.
• To detail diagnostic methods employed, including viral isolation and serological testing.
• To analyze cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) immunoglobulin profiles (IgA, IgG, IgM) in affected patients.

Summary:

• Seven cases of acute neuraxitis were identified: Coxsackie B3 (4), mumps (2), measles (1), and influenza B (1).
• Diagnostic approaches involved clinical examination, blood chemistry, viral isolation from CSF and feces, and antibody level determination (complement fixing, hemagglutinin-inhibiting, neutralizing).
• Cerebrospinal fluid analysis included IgA, IgG, and IgM levels, with viral isolation from a cerebral biopsy in one Coxsackie B3 case.

Impact:

• Highlights the diverse viral etiologies of acute neuraxitis.
• Provides detailed case studies illustrating diagnostic challenges and findings in viral meningoencephalitis.
• Contributes to understanding the host immune response in viral central nervous system infections.