Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain caused by viral or bacterial infections, fungi, parasites, or reactions to medication. Herpes, rabies, and mosquito-borne diseases are common causes. Autoimmune encephalitis occurs when the immune system attacks the brain while fighting an infection elsewhere in the body. Vigilance is necessary to avoid encephalitis.
Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the human brain. The causes of encephalitis are typically viral infections, but can sometimes be bacterial infections. If the brain becomes infected first, it is primary encephalitis, while secondary encephalitis is the result of another part of the body being attacked before the infection has spread to the brain. These are the two basic types of encephalitis.
The herpes virus can lead to encephalitis, whether it’s herpes simplex virus one (HSV1) or herpes simplex virus two (HSV2). Fatal sporadic encephalitis results from HSV1, but is rare. Throat and chest viruses, such as influenza, and intestinal viruses, such as echo virus, can also cause encephalitis.
The varicella-zoster virus, responsible for chicken pox and shingles, can lead to encephalitis. Epstein-Barr virus occurs when a herpes virus causes infectious mononucleosis, also called mono, which ultimately leads to an attack on the brain. Preventable childhood viruses such as measles, mumps, or rubella can also be causes of encephalitis.
Rabies, transmitted by a bite or scratch from an infected animal, is another viral cause of encephalitis. Arboviruses are carried by mosquitoes and ticks. Most mosquito-borne diseases can cause encephalitis. Tick-borne encephalitis can result from Lyme disease and other bacterial infections. The major forms of mosquito-borne diseases that are causes of encephalitis include West Nile encephalitis, Western equine encephalitis, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, and La Crosse encephalitis.
Many bacterial infections can also cause encephalitis. Some of the major types include Lyme disease, mycoplasma, and listeria. Pneumococcal and meningococcal infections can also cause encephalitis.
The spread of encephalitis is not only caused by the spread of bacteria and viruses. Fungi can be causes of encephalitis, for example due to histoplasma, cryptococcus or candida. Parasites are another way encephalitis spreads. Malaria and Toxoplasma are two prime examples of parasites that can lead to encephalitis. It can also happen due to a reaction to medications.
Yet another way encephalitis can occur is postinfectious encephalitis or autoimmune encephalitis. This is what happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the brain while trying to fight an infection elsewhere in the body. Avoiding encephalitis requires diligence, because it has many causes. Rabid and herpes-carrying animals should be avoided, and you should be aware of insect and tick bites, parasites, and exposure to bacteria, viruses, and some fungi.
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