Encephalitis
Microglial nodules are classic in viral encephalitis (e.g., rabies "Babes nodules," HIV encephalitis).
What our notes say
- Microglial nodules are classic in viral encephalitis (e.g., rabies "Babes nodules," HIV encephalitis). (Neuropathology Essentials: Edema, Hydrocephalus, Brain Herniation)
- Complications: pneumonia, otitis media, diarrhoea, encephalitis, blindness and malnutrition. (Paediatrics and Child Health end of semester examination (MBPE): 10 January 2023)
- Differential diagnosis: hypoglycaemia, seizure with Todd's paralysis, migraine with aura, intracranial tumour or abscess, subdural haematoma, encephalitis, hypertensive encephalopathy, conversion disorder. (Internal Medicine (MBIM 4100) main exam, Paper One: 3 July 2019)
- Measles does not cause neck stiffness unless complicated by encephalitis. (Paediatrics end of fourth year main exam: 1 July 2019, Paper One, 99 of 100 MCQs)
- Give vitamin A to all children with measles, and watch for pneumonia, otitis media, diarrhoea and encephalitis. (Paediatrics Question Bank: 12 Clinical MCQs)
- Vector: Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika, Yellow fever, O'nyong-nyong, Japanese encephalitis; Rift Valley fever (mechanical); transovarial transmission of arboviruses (YEAR 3 PARASITOLOGY NOTES)
Study material on Encephalitis
- EXAM: Vaccines & Antivirals, Rabies, CMV & EBV, Adenovirus & Enteroviruses
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Guide: Pathogenesis, Dx & Treatment
- VIROLOGY SEM 3 CRASHED
- MKU Medical Virology Exam Guide: HIV, CMV, Vaccines & More
- EXAM: Hepatitis Viruses, Oncogenic Viruses, Paramyxoviruses & Arboviruses
- Medical Microbiology III Exam: Viruses, Fungi & Diagnosis
- Medical Virology: Hepatitis, Viral Carcinogenesis & Oncogenic Viruses
- EXAM NOTES: VIROLOGY YR3
- EXAM: Bacteriophages, Laboratory Diagnosis, HPV & Parvovirus B19
- Medical Mycology Q&A Section B
- Virology MCQs
Practice questions on Encephalitis
What causes Encephalitis or Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)?
- Inflammation caused by an infection in the brain
- The main causative agents of this disease are viruses
- Both A and B
- Only B
- None of the above
Answer: C. Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) is defined as inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most commonly caused by viral infections (HSV, JE virus, enteroviruses, arboviruses). Both statements are correct — AES is viral-mediated inflammatory brain disease. ---
What are the symptoms of Encephalitis or Acute Encephalitis Syndrome?
- High fever
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- A and B
- All the above
Answer: E. AES presents with the classic triad of fever, altered consciousness/confusion, and neurological deficits. Additional symptoms include vomiting, seizures, headache, photophobia, and focal neurological signs depending on the brain region affected. ---
Treatments given to encephalitis or AES patients are
- Corticosteroids
- Mechanical ventilation
- Anticonvulsants
- All the above
- A and C
Answer: D. Management of AES is supportive and includes corticosteroids (to reduce cerebral edema), mechanical ventilation (if respiratory compromise), and anticonvulsants (to control seizures). Acyclovir is added if HSV encephalitis is suspected. ICU-level care is often required. ---
One of the best ways to diagnose meningitis or encephalitis is through
- Analysis of bile
- A thoracocentesis or chest tap
- An x-ray
- A spinal tap
Answer: D. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is the gold standard for diagnosing meningitis and encephalitis. CSF findings help differentiate causes and PCR of CSF is definitive for viral agents. ---