How does HSV-1 cause encephalitis?
Typically, the virus is initially present in a part of the brain called the limbic cortex. It may then spread to the adjacent frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. It is the destruction of tissue in these areas together with brain swelling from the inflammation, which causes many of the symptoms.
What is the pathophysiology of encephalitis?
Pathophysiology of Encephalitis In acute encephalitis, inflammation and edema occur in infected areas throughout the cerebral hemispheres, brain stem, cerebellum, and, occasionally, spinal cord. Petechial hemorrhages may be present in severe infections.
What type of pathogen is HSV-1?
HSV-1 is a neurotropic virus that infects most humans, attaining 90% prevalence by the sixth decade of life. Infection is life long, as the virus resides in the trigeminal ganglia of the peripheral nervous system in latent form with viral genome but no virions present.
How common is HSV-1 encephalitis?
Despite only rarely manifesting as encephalitis in infected individuals, HSV-1 is consistently the single most common cause of sporadic encephalitis worldwide [42–52]. The incidence of HSVE worldwide is estimated to be between 2 and 4 cases/1,000,000 [44], and the incidence in the USA is similar [53].
What are the main causes of encephalitis?
Encephalitis is most often due to a virus, such as: herpes simplex viruses, which cause cold sores and genital herpes (this is the most common cause of encephalitis) the varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles. measles, mumps and rubella viruses.
How can you prevent encephalitis?
Vaccines are an important part of preventing encephalitis. Vaccines for viruses such as measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox have greatly lowered the rate of encephalitis from these diseases. Use proper hygiene and hand washing to help prevent the spread of viruses and encephalitis.
Is HSV-1 considered an STD?
What is genital herpes? Genital herpes is an STD caused by two types of viruses. The viruses are called herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).
Who gets HSV encephalitis?
Herpes simplex encephalitis usually occurs during early childhood or adulthood. It affects males and females in equal numbers. The disorder is the most common form of acute encephalitis in the United States with approximately 2,000 cases occurring per year.
Where is encephalitis most commonly found?
The most common cause of arboviral disease after West Nile virus. La Crosse encephalitis virus occurs most frequently in states in the East North Central and South Atlantic divisions. Most cases have occurred in Ohio, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
