Encephalitis lethality

West nile fever Emerging viral disease new to the USA, transmitted by mosquitoes, causing seizures and encephalitis lethal to crows. 

Likewise, the United States and the former Soviet Union could choose among BW agents that were lethal or those that were mostly nonfatal, depending on the mission. On the one hand, the inhaled route of anthrax infection is among the most lethal (more than 50% would die under the best of circumstances), a weapon delivering an aerosol of anthrax spores would have meant large percentages of dead. On the other hand, Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) virus could be employed, in which case most of those infected with VEE would be incapacitated by the disease but few would ultimately die (Smith et al., 1997). 

Viral genes necessary for productive infection, inhibiting apoptosis, or inhibiting immune recognition would likely play a significant role in the potential of HSV-1 to initiate encephalitis. Innate immune responses play a significant role in lethal encephalitis because HSV-1 interactions with Toll-like receptor 2 contribute to HSE (Kurt-Jones et al.,... 

Kurt-Jones EA, Chan M, Zhou S, Wang J, Reed G, Bronson R, Arnold MA, Knipe DM, Finberg RW (2004) Herpes simplex virus 1 interaction with toll-like receptor 2 contributes to lethal encephalitis. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 101 1315-1320. 

In Moss (1992), the subject of interference between viruses is studied. He notes that a harmless virus can be used to negate the effects of a lethal virus. In experiments on mice infected with a rabies strain, the death rate could be reduced from 50% to 15% by injecting a harmless avian encephalitis virus (Moss, 1992, p. 441). 

If NMS is suspected, rule out major causes of NMS-like syndromes (e.g. heat stroke, lethal catatonia, malignant hyperthermia, viral encephalitis). At the same time ... 

Schmaljohn AL, Johnson ED, Dalrymple JM, Cole GA. Non-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies can prevent lethal alphavirus encephalitis. Nature. 1982 297 70-72. 

Wang T, Town T, Alexopoulou L et al. Toll-like receptor 3 mediates West Nile virus entry into the brain causing lethal encephalitis. Nat Med 2004 10(12) 1366-1373. 

Insect bites and stings, as well as being painful and annoying, can be lethal. Mosquito bites, in particular, transmit malaria to humans, and it is estimated to cause approximately 3 million deaths every year worldwide. Mosquito bites can also infect people with other nasty illnesses, such as West Nile virus, various types of encephalitis, and dengue fever. Insect bites and stings can also cause allergic reactions in people which can sometimes be fatal. So a chemical spray which can ward off insects is a potentially life-saving invention. 

The differential includes lethal catatonia, malignant hyperthermia, alcohol withdrawal, infection (encephalitis / menii itis / sepsis) and drug toxicity. SS often presents with low-level discomfort, and may resemble opiate withdrawal, hypomania or antidepressant side effects. 

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