TY - JOUR
T1 - Viral encephalitis
T2 - Etiology, clinical features, diagnosis and management
AU - Ferrari, Sergio
AU - Toniolo, Antonio
AU - Monaco, Salvatore
AU - Luciani, Filippo
AU - Cainelli, Francesca
AU - Baj, Andreina
AU - Temesgen, Zelalem
AU - Vento, Sandro
PY - 2009
Y1 - 2009
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
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U2 - 10.2174/1874279300903010001
DO - 10.2174/1874279300903010001
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84868380927
SN - 1874-2793
VL - 3
SP - 1
EP - 12
JO - Open Infectious Diseases Journal
JF - Open Infectious Diseases Journal
IS - 1
ER -