Viral Encephalitis

Microglial nodules are classic in viral encephalitis (e.g., rabies "Babes nodules," HIV encephalitis).

Inflammation of brain parenchyma caused by viral infection
Characterised by fever, headache, altered consciousness, seizures, and focal neurological deficits
Viruses that cause encephalitis:
Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) — most common sporadic cause
Japanese encephalitis virus

What our notes say

Microglial nodules are classic in viral encephalitis (e.g., rabies "Babes nodules," HIV encephalitis). (Neuropathology Essentials: Edema, Hydrocephalus, Brain Herniation)
Rabies is an acute, progressive, invariably fatal viral encephalitis caused by the Rabies virus. (EXAM: Vaccines & Antivirals, Rabies, CMV & EBV, Adenovirus & Enteroviruses)
Describe the pathogenesis of viral encephalitis (3 marks) *(2 repeats — refer to previous answer)* (Cryptococcal Meningitis: Symptoms, Causes & Fungal Treatment)
Both groups have appeared in MKU essay questions — adenovirus as a full essay on transmission, diseases, and prevention, and enteroviruses as essay questions on portal of entry, diseases caused, and viral encephalitis. (EXAM: Vaccines & Antivirals, Rabies, CMV & EBV, Adenovirus & Enteroviruses)
Most common cause of fatal sporadic (non-epidemic) viral encephalitis worldwide (EXAM NOTES: VIROLOGY YR3)
Describe the pathogenesis of viral encephalitis (3 marks) (Medical Microbiology III Exam: Viruses, Fungi & Diagnosis)