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Persistence of Japanese encephalitis virus in the human nervous system

V Ravi1, A S Desai, P K Shenoy

  • 1Department of Neurovirology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India.

Journal of Medical Virology
|August 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) can persist in the human nervous system. Evidence shows JEV RNA and antibodies remain detectable in cerebrospinal fluid long after initial infection in some patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a significant cause of viral encephalitis globally.
  • The potential for JEV persistence in the human nervous system remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the immunological and virological evidence for persistent JEV infection in the human nervous system.
  • To determine the duration of viral persistence and antibody presence in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of CSF samples from laboratory-confirmed Japanese encephalitis cases.
  • Detection of JEV-specific IgM antibodies, viral antigen, and infectious JEV in CSF.
  • Longitudinal monitoring of viral markers post-symptom onset.

Main Results:

  • JEV persistence was detected in 5% (16/323) of laboratory-confirmed cases.
  • JEV-specific IgM antibodies were found in CSF up to 180 days post-symptom onset.
  • Viral antigen and infectious JEV were detected in CSF beyond the third week, with one case showing isolation at 117 days.

Conclusions:

  • These findings provide strong evidence for JEV persistence in the human nervous system in a subset of patients.
  • Persistent JEV may contribute to long-term neurological complications.
  • Further research into the mechanisms and implications of JEV persistence is warranted.

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