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26:48
Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Published on: July 4, 2007
Acute viral encephalitis in adults--a prospective study
M Studahl1, T Bergström, L Hagberg
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|October 28, 1998
Summary
Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) was the most frequent cause of acute viral encephalitis in Sweden. Diagnostic methods improved, yet many cases of viral encephalitis remained without a clear cause.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Acute viral encephalitis poses a significant diagnostic challenge.
- Early and accurate etiological diagnosis is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the etiological agents of acute viral encephalitis in adult patients in Göteborg, Sweden.
- To evaluate the utility of various diagnostic methods, including PCR, in detecting viral pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 27 adult patients diagnosed with acute viral encephalitis.
- Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for virus isolation, antibody detection, and PCR for herpesviruses, adenovirus, and enterovirus.
Main Results:
- Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) was identified as the most common etiological agent (10 patients).
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detected HSV-1 DNA in patients with delayed sample collection.
- In 13 patients (48%), the etiology of encephalitis remained undetermined despite comprehensive testing.
Conclusions:
- HSV-1 is the leading cause of viral encephalitis in the studied population.
- Despite advancements in diagnostic techniques, a substantial proportion of viral encephalitis cases remain etiological unclear.
- Timely CSF sampling is critical for optimal PCR detection of HSV-1 DNA.
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