Etiology of aseptic encephalitis and meningitis

• Grant number: 13/03119-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: October 01, 2013
• End date: July 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Camila Malta Romano
• Grantee: Cristina Freitas Nunes
• Host Institution: Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo (IMT). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The central nervous system (CNS) may be affected by several agents, including viral bacterial or fungal. CNS infections can trigger severe symptoms and, according to the site of infection, may be designated as encephalitis or meningitis. Viruses are the most common cause of these diseases, followed by bacteria, and finally the fungus. Viruses such as polyomavirus BK and JC, Herpes Simplex, Herpes virus 6, varicella-zoster virus, influenza A, enterovirus, mumps, flavivirus, the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, are responsible for most of the CNS infections, and also have a high incidence the world population. However, the prevalence of different agents varies according to population, the individual's immune status, age and region of study. In fact, the prevalence of these infectious agents is well established in different countries like United States, Finland and other European countries. However, there is still a lack of information regarding the prevalence of these agents in the Brazilian population. Although there are diagnostic methods available for identifying most of the etiologic agents that cause encephalitis and meningitis, to obtain results in short period is essential for targeting the most appropriate treatment of the disease. Thus, more precise information regarding the prevalence of these agents in our environment is necessary for the development of more appropriate diagnosis methods. Still, a better understanding of the prevalence of these agents in affected individuals can contribute to a better understanding of the disease in its different forms of presentation. (AU)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

NUNES, Cristina Freitas. Etiology of encephalitis and clear cerebrospinal meningitis. 2018. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Medicina Tropical de São Paulo (IMT) São Paulo.