Detection of encephalitis-causing viruses reveals predominance of chikungunya virus in the state of Bahia, Brazil.
Int J Infect Dis
; 145: 107090, 2024 Aug.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38762045
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES:
Encephalitis is a severe neurological syndrome for which herpesvirus and enteroviruses are the most common etiological agents. Arboviruses, a wildly diverse group of pathogens, are also critical epidemiological agents associated with encephalitis. In Brazil, little is known about the causative agents of encephalitis.METHODS:
We conducted a hospital surveillance for encephalitis between 2020 and 2022. Molecular (RT-PCR and qPCR) and serological (virus-specific IgM and viral antigens) techniques were performed in cerebrospinal fluid and serum samples obtained from study participants.RESULTS:
In the 43 participants evaluated, the etiologic agent or the presence of IgM was detected in 16 (37.2%). Nine (20.9%) cases were positive for chikungunya virus (CHIKV), three (7.0%) for dengue virus, two (4.7%) for human adenovirus, one (2.3%) for varicella-zoster virus, and one (2.3%) for enterovirus. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the CHIKV identified belongs to the East/Central/South African lineage.CONCLUSION:
Herein, CHIKV is a common pathogen identified in encephalitis cases. Our results reinforce previous evidence that chikungunya represents a significant cause of encephalitis during CHIKV outbreaks and epidemics and add to existing information on the epidemiology of encephalitis in Brazil.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Virus Chikungunya
/
Fiebre Chikungunya
País como asunto:
America do sul
/
Brasil
Idioma:
En
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article