The Open Infectious Diseases Journal
2009, 3 : 1-12Published online 2009 January 9. DOI: 10.2174/1874279300903010001
Publisher ID: TOIDJ-3-1
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Viral Encephalitis: Etiology, Clinical Features, Diagnosis and Management
1
Department of Neurological and Visual Sciences, Section of Neurology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
2 Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
3 Infectious Diseases Unit, Annunziata Hospital, Cosenza, Italy
4 Department of Emergency Medicine, Annunziata Hospital, Cosenza, Italy
5 Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
* Address correspondence to this author at the Infectious Diseases Unit, Annunziata Hospital, 87100 Cosenza, Italy; Tel/Fax: 39.0984.681360; E-mail: ventosandro@yahoo.it
2 Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
3 Infectious Diseases Unit, Annunziata Hospital, Cosenza, Italy
4 Department of Emergency Medicine, Annunziata Hospital, Cosenza, Italy
5 Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
* Address correspondence to this author at the Infectious Diseases Unit, Annunziata Hospital, 87100 Cosenza, Italy; Tel/Fax: 39.0984.681360; E-mail: ventosandro@yahoo.it
ABSTRACT
Viral encephalitis is worldwide spread pathology with high morbidity and mortality. Its incidence is higher in children. Enteroviruses, varicella zoster virus and herpes simplex viruses are the most frequent agents. However, in spite of the use of modern microbiological and radiological methods, an etiological diagnosis is reached in less than 50% of cases, making a careful differential diagnosis with non viral brain diseases imperative. Pathogenesis is elusive and therapy continues to remain supportive in almost all cases, as the only virus-directed treatment is available for herpesvirus-related encephalitis and a role for steroids continues to be debated. Novel and more targeted therapies are eagerly needed.