Causes of Encephalitis in England

Infectious causes (predominantly viruses) were found in 42% of the patients and immune-mediated causes in 21%; no cause was identified in 37%.

In patients with encephalitis, timely and correct treatment is essential. However, determining the cause of this condition is often difficult: Infectious and noninfectious processes can cause similar clinical findings. Researchers recently conducted a population-based prospective study, hoping to identify clinical differences among the causes.

The researchers identified patients with encephalopathy admitted to 24 hospitals in three regions of England. Those who met the case definition (determined by clinical, cerebrospinal fluid [CSF], electroencephalographic, and neuroimaging criteria) underwent serologic and CSF polymerase chain reaction testing.

The analysis included 203 patients (median age, 30; range 0–87; 54% male). Herpes simplex virus…

Reviewing Author

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine

Mary E. Wilson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardOneHealthTrust (formerly Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics, and Policy); Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Editorial BoardsJournal of Travel Medicine