Viral Encephalitis Introduction Viral, or aseptic, meningitis is caused by infection of the meninges, neurons, or glia, with the later two being termed encephalitis. A virus gains access to these normally priveleged sites by crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) by entry through cellular receptors found on the endothelial cells that comprise the BBB. Approximately 50% of viral encephalitis is caused by the enterovirus family of viruses and occurs most often in children and young adults. Occassionally, other viruses such as HSV 1, VZV, mumps, and HIV may infect the brain causing more severe infections than those of the enteroviruses. Although viral encephalitis is serious, it is not as life-threatening as that caused by bacteria or fungi, and treatment is mostly supportive. Laboratories Investigating Viral Encephalitis & the Role of the Blood Brain Barrier |
