Question

For encephaltis, what is:

The causative agent

The tissue that is affected

How it is transmitted

Common places it may be encountered

Treatment options

Answer 1

Question no:1

Encephalitis are caused by many reasons:

1. Viral encephalitis – majority are caused by unknown cause. Mostly it caused by herpes simplex infection, flavi virus commonly known as flaviviridae. Other causes of acute viral encephalitis are rabies virus, polio virus, arbo virus, bunyavirus, arenavirus and reovirus.
2. Bacterial encephalitis-
3. Parasitic or protozoan infection

Question no 2:

In acute encephalitis- tissues which are affected are cerebral hemispheres brain stem, cerebellum and occasionally spinal cord.

Direct viral invasion will affect neurons

Acute disseminated encephalitis- multifocal areas of demyelination of neurons.

Question no: 3

Modes of transmission of virus are as follows:

1. Direct transmission- coughs or sneezes, saliva, nasal discharge, feces, respiratory or throat infections from an infected person
2. Vector transmission-Infected insects- mosquitoes and ticks
3. Contaminated food or drink
4. Dormant viral infection

Question no:4

The virus commonly encounters the brain and spinal cord. Inflammation of the brain is called encephalitis.

Question no:5

1. Antiviral drugs- acyclovir and ganciclovir
2. Anticonvulsants to prevent seizures as resolution therapy
3. Auto immune disease- immune suppressants therapy
4. Supportive treatment- fluid replacement
5. Complete bed rest