Issues and updates in emerging neurologic viral infections

Semin Neurol. 2011 Jul;31(3):245-53. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1287650. Epub 2011 Sep 30.

Abstract

This review discusses the recent advances in the identification of viral pathogens and other etiologies responsible for cases of suspected viral encephalitis. The authors describe new molecular diagnostic strategies for identifying novel causes of viral encephalitis, including MassTag PCR, DNA microarrays, and high-throughput DNA pyrosequencing. They also highlight the increasing recognition of immune-mediated causes of encephalitis among those cases previously thought to be viral encephalitis of unknown etiology. Lastly, they review some of the most recent updates in the field of emerging neurologic viral infections impacting the United States, including the neurologic complications of H1N1 virus and the reemergence of dengue virus in the Florida Keys.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / complications
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / epidemiology
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / virology
  • Encephalitis, Viral / diagnosis*
  • Encephalitis, Viral / epidemiology
  • Encephalitis, Viral / etiology
  • Genetic Techniques
  • Humans
  • Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis
  • Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Nervous System Diseases / virology*
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Virion / genetics
  • Virion / pathogenicity