Infectious Disease Disorders

Question 1

Body’s immune response

Answer 1

Natural response is inflammation
In the CNS, inflammatory response activates microglia (neuroinflammation)
Initial response is beneficial, chronic inflammation leads to negative neurological consequences

Question 2

Encephalitis

Answer 2

Inflammation of brain tissue with two subtypes: infectious encephalitis, autoimmune encephalitis
Causes brain swelling
Progresses over the course of days or weeks

Question 3

Infectious encephalitis

Answer 3

Caused by viral infection (or bacterial, fungal, parasitic)
Common causes: measles, mumps, herpes, west nile

Question 4

Autoimmune encephalitis

Answer 4

Caused by an individual’s antibodies/immune system attacking their own brain

Question 5

Encephalitis treatment

Answer 5

Depends on underlying cause/symptoms
Antiviral medications for viral infections
Antibacterial meds for bacterial infections
Immunotherapy for autoimmune encephalitis

Question 6

Encephalitis prognosis

Answer 6

Inflammation leads to brain damage
Mild cases are shorter in duration, associated with full recovery
Moderate to severe cases can result in permanent deficits in cognitive and physical functioning
Death occurs in about 10%
Prevention is important

Question 7

Meningitis

Answer 7

Inflammation of the fluid and protective layers (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord
Two main types: viral meningitis, bacterial meningitis

Question 8

Meningitis treatment

Answer 8

Depends on underlying cause/symptoms
Antiviral meds for viral infections
Antibacterial meds for bacterial infections

Question 9

Meningitis prognosis

Answer 9

Depends on the cause
Viral meningitis is usually mild, most make a full recovery
Bacterial meningitis has a poorer prognosis (Death rate around 15-20%)
Prevention is important