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Polymerase chain reaction screening for DNA viruses in paraffin-embedded brains from dogs with necrotizing meningoencephalitis, necrotizing leukoencephalitis, and granulomatous meningoencephalitis.

The objective of this investigation was to determine whether or not herpesvirus (herpes-), adenovirus (adeno-), or canine parvovirus DNA is present in the brains of dogs with necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME), necrotizing leukoencephalitis (NLE), and granulomatous meningoencephalitis (GME). Paraffin-embedded brain specimens from 12 histopathologically confirmed dogs with NME, 3 with NLE, and 7 with GME were screened for viral DNA with degenerate herpes- and adenovirus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and a canine parvovirus-specific PCR. Positive-control specimens included genomic viral DNA and paraffin-embedded tissues from dogs with confirmed herpes-, adeno-, or canine parvovirus infections. Herpes-, adeno-, or canine parvovirus DNA was amplified by PCR from the corresponding positive-control specimens. Negative controls included 7 dogs with various brain disorders and produced no viral amplicons. The 22 dogs with NME, NLE, and GME were negative for viral DNA. Additional studies testing for other viruses or inherited genetic mutations are warranted to gain insight into the etiologies of NME, NLE, and GME. We discuss potential etiologies and provide a clinical and histopathologic overview of these common canine encephalitides.

Animals↗

Complementary findings in clinical and epidemiologic features of mumps and mumps meningoencephalitis in children without mumps vaccination.

BACKGROUND: Mumps vaccine has not yet been included in the routine vaccination programme, for this reason mumps is still one of the most common infections for children in Turkey. One of the major complication of mumps is meningoencephalitis, which although usually heals spontaneously, it may cause neurologic complications. METHODS: This study was undertaken to investigate epidemiologic and demographic characteristics in children with mumps and mumps meningoencephalitis and clinical/laboratory findings in children with mumps meningoencephalitis diagnosed over a 11 year period. A total of 2422 mumps and 135 mumps meningoencephalitis cases were covered in this study which constitutes one of the largest series of mumps meningoencephalitis in the literature. The mean age of mumps and mumps meningoencephalitis cases were 6.6 +/- 2.7 and 7.6 +/- 2.6 years, respectively. RESULTS: There was a male predominance both among the cases of mumps and mumps meningoencephalitis. The age and seasonal distributions were similar in the mumps and mumps meningoencephalitis groups. The most common symptoms of mumps meningoencephalitis were fever (97%), vomiting (94%) and headache (88.8%). The mean cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) total cell count and lymphocyte count were 540 +/- 460/mm(3) and 300 +/- 330/mm(3), respectively. The mean CSF protein and glucose levels were found to be 56.97 +/- 27.94 mg/dL and 53.67 +/- 15.46 mg/dL, respectively. The mean of CSF/blood glucose ratio was 0.53 +/- 0.16. The mean duration of hospitalization in mumps meningoencephalitis cases was found to be 5.1 +/- 2.4 days and this was longer in boys (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In patients with mumps meningoencephalitis, higher CSF protein levels and lower CSF glucose/blood glucose ratio were associated with longer hospitalization periods. There was no death.

Age Distribution↗

Human herpesvirus 6 meningoencephalitis in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.

We retrospectively investigated the clinical characteristics of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) meningoencephalitis within 100 days after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Of 1148 patients who received transplants between January 1999 and December 2003, 11 patients (0.96%) with HHV-6 meningoencephalitis were identified. Ten of 11 recipients received hematopoietic stem cells from donors other than HLA-identical siblings. Confusion was the most frequent central nervous system (CNS) symptom, and a skin rash with high-grade fever preceded the CNS symptoms in 9 patients. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed an abnormal increased T2 signal in the hypothalamus of 5 patients. Eight patients were treated with ganciclovir, and an improvement of CNS symptoms was obtained in 3 patients; 3 patients treated with acyclovir showed no improvement. Improvement in the meningoencephalitis seemed less frequent in patients with abnormal findings in the hypothalamus than in those without such findings. Because the symptoms of HHV-6 meningoencephalitis mimicked those of cyclosporine- or tacrolimus-induced encephalopathy, the drugs were withdrawn at the onset of CNS symptoms in 10 patients, resulting in the development of grade IV graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in 5 patients. Three patients died of HHV-6 meningoencephalitis, and 6 died of other causes, including GVHD. In conclusion, HHV-6 meningoencephalitis is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication in patients who undergo allogeneic HSCT. Careful assessment of the clinical findings and the brain may allow early and precise diagnosis of HHV-6 meningoencephalitis and contribute to improving its prognosis.

Adolescent↗

[Meningoencephalitis associated with polyradiculoneuropathy with increased HSV IgG antibody--report of three cases].

We report three patients presented with meningoencephalitis associated with polyradiculoneuropathy with increased HSV IgG antibody titer. The first patient was a 27-year-old woman with meningoencephalitis who developed status epilepticus. The CSF showed pleocytosis and increase in HSV IgG antibody titer. Herpes encephalitis was suspected, and she was treated with acyclovir. The symptoms of meningoencephalitis improved, but she developed flaccid tetraplegia. The NCV study was compatible with polyradiculoneuropathy. About two months later from the onset, muscle atrophy appeared in her all limbs. The second patient was a 23-year-old woman with meningoencephalitis, which was followed by ascending motor paralysis. The CSF showed pleocytosis and increase in HSV IgG antibody titer. The symptoms of meningoencephalitis improved by administration of acyclovir, but paralysis didn't improve. About two months later from the onset, muscle atrophy of all limbs appeared. The NCV study was compatible with polyradiculoneuropathy. The third patient was a 43-year-old man presenting somnolence, neck stiffness and ascending motor paralysis developing into flaccid tetraplegia. The CSF showed pleocytosis and increase in HSV IgG antibody titer. Somnolence and neck stiffness improved by administration of acyclovir but tetraplegia didn't improve. The NCV study was compatible with polyradiculoneuropathy. Immuno-absorption therapy and administration of prednisolone were performed. Meningoencephalitis associated with increased HSV IgG antibody titer is rare. Auto-allergic process which is initiated by HSV infection may be involved in the pathogenesis of polyradiculoneuropathy in these patients.

Adult↗

Combined cytosine arabinoside and prednisone therapy for meningoencephalitis of unknown aetiology in 10 dogs.

OBJECTIVES: The differential diagnosis for young to middle-aged dogs with progressive neurological signs, focal or multifocal computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging lesions, mononuclear cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis and negative infectious titres includes granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis, breed-specific meningoencephalitis, infectious meningoencephalitis of unknown origin and central nervous system neoplasia. The terminology meningoencephalitis of unknown aetiology may be preferable for cases that lack histopathological diagnoses. The safety and efficacy of a combination of cytosine arabinoside and prednisone protocol is evaluated, in this study, for the treatment of meningoencephalitis of unknown aetiology in 10 dogs. METHODS: Cases were selected based on neuroanatomical localisation, negative regional infectious disease titres, cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis and brain imaging. Clinical response was gauged through follow-up examinations, owner and referring veterinarian surveys and review of medical records. RESULTS: Partial or complete remission was achieved in all dogs; the median survival time for the 10 dogs was 531 days (range 46 to 1025 days), with five of the 10 dogs alive at the time of writing. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Prednisone/cytosine arabinoside is a safe empirical therapy for dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown aetiology; this drug combination may prolong survival time.

Animals↗

Seasonal meningoencephalitis in Holstein cattle caused by Naegleria fowleri.

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis is a fulminant infection of the human central nervous system caused by Naegleria fowleri, a free-living amoeba that thrives in artificially or naturally heated water. The infection usually is acquired while bathing or swimming in such waters. The portal of entry is the olfactory neuroepithelium. This report describes fatal meningoencephalitis caused by N. fowleri in Holstein cattle that consumed untreated surface water in an area of California where summer temperatures at times exceed 42 degrees C. In the summers of 1998 and 1999, severe multifocal necrosuppurative hemorrhagic meningoencephalitis was observed in brain samples from nine 10-20-month-old heifers with clinical histories of acute central nervous system disease. Olfactory lobes and cerebella were most severely affected. Lesions were also evident in periventricular and submeningeal neuropil as well as olfactory nerves. Naegleria fowleri was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry in brain and olfactory nerve lesions and was isolated from one brain. Even though cultures of drinking water did not yield N. fowleri, drinking water was the likely source of the amoeba. The disease in cattle closely resembles primary amoebic meningoencephalitis in humans. Naegleria meningoencephalitis should be included among differential diagnoses of central nervous system disease in cattle during the summer season in areas with high ambient temperatures.

Amebiasis↗

Anthrax meningoencephalitis.

OBJECTIVE: To review reported cases of anthrax meningoencephalitis and describe the clinical findings, diagnostic test results, treatment, and outcome over the past 50 years. METHODS: Retrospective review of English language articles published since Haight's (1952) review. RESULTS: Thirty-four core articles were identified, describing 70 patients with cutaneous (29%), gastrointestinal (17%), inhalational (39%), and unknown (16%) sources of infection. Clinical signs on presentation included fever, malaise, meningeal signs, hyperreflexia, and delirium, stupor, or coma. CSF analyses demonstrated hemorrhagic meningitis, with positive Gram's stains and CSF cultures. Many patients presented in extremis following a prodromal period of 1 to 6 days, and 75% died within 24 hours of presentation. Despite aggressive treatment in many cases, only 6% (4 of 70) survived, none of whom had pulmonary anthrax. Surviving patients generally had a cutaneous portal of entry, were younger, and had less severely abnormal initial CSF results than patients who died. Most of the survivors recovered fully. Pathologic findings included hemorrhagic meningitis, multifocal subarachnoid and intraparenchymal hemorrhages, vasculitis, and cerebral edema. CONCLUSIONS: Anthrax meningoencephalitis has a high case-fatality rate, even with aggressive antibiotic treatment and supportive therapy. Hemorrhagic meningitis should raise suspicion of anthrax infection, particularly if gram-positive rods are demonstrated on Gram's stain. Anthrax meningoencephalitis can develop from any primary focus, but survival appears to be most likely if meningoencephalitis develops from cutaneous anthrax. Treatment of surviving patients was generally begun before signs and symptoms of meningoencephalitis were present.

Anthrax↗