 | This article mayrequirecleanup to meet Wikipedia'squality standards. The specific problem is:Diagnosis section needs cleanup/article in general needs improvement. Please helpimprove this article if you can.(January 2019) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
| Meningoencephalitis | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Herpes meningoencephalitis[1][2] |
 | |
| Meninges | |
| Specialty | Infectious disease,neurology |
Meningoencephalitis (/mɪˌnɪŋɡoʊɛnˌsɛfəˈlaɪtɪs,-ˌnɪndʒoʊ-,-ən-,-ˌkɛ-/;[3][4] from Ancient Greek μῆνιγξ (meninx) 'membrane' ἐγκέφαλος (enképhalos) 'brain' and -itis 'inflammation'), also known asherpes meningoencephalitis, is amedical condition that simultaneously resembles bothmeningitis, which is aninfection orinflammation of themeninges, andencephalitis, which is an infection or inflammation of thebrain tissue.
Signs of meningoencephalitis includeunusual behavior,personality changes, nausea, and thinking problems.[1][5]
Symptoms may includeheadache,fever,pain in neck movement,light sensitivity, andseizure.[2]
The organisms which cause meningoencephalitis includebacterialpathogens,protozoans, andviruses.[citation needed]
Veterinarians have observed meningoencephalitis inanimals infected with listeriosis, caused by the pathogenic bacteriaL. monocytogenes. Meningitis and encephalitis already present in the brain or spinal cord of an animal may simultaneously form into meningeoencephalitis.[6] The bacteria commonly targets the sensitive structures of the brain stem.L. monocytogenes meningoencephalitis has been documented to significantly increase the number ofcytokines, such as interleukin-1beta (IL-1β),IL-12, andIL-15, leading to toxic effects on the brain.[7]
Meningoencephalitis may be one of the severe complications of diseases originating from severalRickettsia species, such asRickettsia rickettsii (causesRocky Mountain spotted fever [RMSF]),Rickettsia conorii,Rickettsia prowazekii (causesepidemic louse-borne typhus), andRickettsia africae. It can impair thecranial nerves, cause paralysis to the eyes, and suddenhearing loss.[8][9] Meningoencephalitis is a rare, late-stage manifestation of tick-borne ricksettial diseases, such as RMSF andhuman monocytotropic ehrlichiosis (HME), caused byEhrlichia chaffeensis (a species of rickettsiales bacteria).[10]
Other bacteria that can cause meningoencephalitis areMycoplasma pneumoniae,Tuberculosis,Borrelia (Lyme disease), andLeptospirosis.
The viral organisms that cause meningoencephalitis include:
The protozoal organisms that cause meningoencephalitis include:
ThenematodeHalicephalobus gingivalis is an exceptionally rare cause of meningoencephalitis.[17]
Other causes of meningoencephalitis includegranulomatous meningoencephalitis andvasculitis. The fungus,Cryptococcus neoformans, can symptomatically manifest within the central nervous system (CNS) as meningoencephalitis, withhydrocephalus being a very characteristic finding due to the unique thickpolysaccharide capsule of the organism.[citation needed]
Clinical diagnosis includes evaluation for the presence of recurrent or recent herpes infection, fever, headache, altered mental status, convulsions, disturbance of consciousness, and focal signs. Testing of cerebrospinal fluid is usually performed.[citation needed]
 | This sectionneeds additional citations forverification. Please helpimprove this article byadding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Meningoencephalitis" – news ·newspapers ·books ·scholar ·JSTOR(April 2019) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
Meningoencephalitis caused by bacteria can be treated withantibiotic drugs.[citation needed] Antiviral therapy, such asacyclovir andganciclovir, works best when given to the individual as early as possible. Individuals may also be treated withinterferon as immune therapy. Symptomatic therapy can be applied as needed. A high fever can be treated by physical regulation of body temperature. Seizures can be treated withantiepileptic drugs. High intracranial pressure can be treated with drugs such asmannitol.
{{cite book}}:|journal= ignored (help)
