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Japanese encephalitis virus is an important cause of encephalitis among children in Penang

M J Cardosa1, T P Hooi, P Kaur

  • 1School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang.

The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health
|June 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) caused 38.5% of viral encephalitis cases in children admitted to Penang Hospital. Other viruses like cytomegalovirus (CMV) were also identified as causes of CNS symptoms in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Neurovirology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Viral encephalitis is a significant cause of pediatric neurological illness.
  • Accurate etiological diagnosis is crucial for effective management and public health strategies.
  • Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a known cause of encephalitis in Asia, but its prevalence in Malaysia requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the role of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) as a causative agent of viral encephalitis in pediatric admissions in Penang, Malaysia.
  • To investigate other viral etiologies, including cytomegalovirus (CMV), associated with central nervous system (CNS) symptoms in children.
  • To assess the prevalence of JEV and dengue virus infections among children with non-specific febrile illness.

Main Methods:

  • Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from pediatric patients with CNS symptoms or febrile illness were analyzed.
  • IgM capture ELISA was used to detect specific IgM antibodies against JEV.
  • Commercially available kits were used to detect IgM antibodies against cytomegalovirus (CMV), mumps virus, measles, and herpes simplex virus.

Main Results:

  • Of 13 children diagnosed with viral encephalitis, 5 (38.5%) tested positive for JEV-specific IgM in CSF.
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific IgM was detected in 2.1% of children with CNS symptoms.
  • Viral etiology was confirmed in 6.7% of pediatric CNS cases, with JEV, CMV, mumps, measles, and herpes simplex virus identified.

Conclusions:

  • Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a significant cause of viral encephalitis among pediatric admissions in Penang, Malaysia.
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and other viruses also contribute to CNS symptoms and encephalopathy in this pediatric population.
  • Further research is needed to understand the full spectrum of viral infections affecting children in the region.

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