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Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
26:48

Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Published on: July 4, 2007

Persistent measles infection of the central nervous system: subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

J L Sever

    Reviews of Infectious Diseases
    |May 1, 1983
    PubMed

    Insights

    Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a fatal measles complication affecting the central nervous system. Widespread measles vaccination is decreasing SSPE incidence in the United States.

    Area of Science:

    • Neurology
    • Virology
    • Immunology

    Background:

    • Measles virus can persist in the central nervous system, leading to subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE).
    • SSPE is a rare but almost always fatal progressive neurological disease.
    • Clinical manifestations include behavioral changes, ataxia, seizures, and mental-motor deterioration years after initial measles infection.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review the pathogenesis and diagnosis of SSPE.
    • To discuss the role of "suppressed" measles virus in SSPE development.
    • To highlight the impact of measles vaccination on SSPE incidence.

    Main Methods:

    • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on SSPE.
    • Analysis of diagnostic markers, including measles antibody in cerebrospinal fluid.
    • Discussion of proposed pathogenetic mechanisms involving viral "suppression" and immune evasion.

    Main Results:

    • Measles antibody in spinal fluid is a key diagnostic indicator for SSPE.
    • Pathogenesis likely involves cell-to-cell spread of non-replicating "suppressed" measles virus clones.
    • The patient's immune system is unable to clear the persistent infection.
    • Several hypotheses exist regarding SSPE pathogenesis, requiring further investigation.

    Conclusions:

    • SSPE is a devastating complication of measles virus infection.
    • Understanding the unique viral and host interactions is crucial for future research.
    • The decline of SSPE in the United States is strongly linked to high measles vaccination rates.
    • Continued surveillance and vaccination efforts are essential to prevent SSPE.

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