Infection & Inflammation

Inflammation is a fundamental feature of the host defense response to infection and is necessary for the containment and removal of the pathogen and for promoting tissue repair and normalization of function. Inflammation has also been identified as a relevant factor in primarily non-inflammatory CNS disorders. Viruses and bacteria constitute a major source of infections targeting the brain. Microglia, astrocytes, and peripheral macrophages are the key players mediating this response, by secreting an array of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.

Imaging Tools

Experience gained thus far suggests that MR has generally greater diagnostic sensitivity than CT, making it the imaging modality of choice in suspected infectious or inflammatory diseases of the brain. In neonates and infants, ultrasonography may be a reasonable alternative to both CT and MR, as it can detect a range of intracranial inflammatory lesions, notably, extra-axial fluid collections and ventricular enlargement associated with meningoencephalitis or ventriculitis, parenchymal changes due to inflammatory infiltration, infarction, or calcification, and formation of abscess cavities and subependymal cysts.

Primary Immune Attack Targeting the CNS

In primary neuroinflammatory diseases, activated immune cells are attracted by the presence of their target within the CNS compartment. Depending on the time course and the target in question, which can be the myelin sheath in MS, or infectious agents such as bacteria in meningitis, the inflammatory infiltrate consists of macrophages, microglia, neutrophil granulocytes, T cells, and B cells. Typically, survivors of bacterial meningitis exhibit extensive neuronal death in the hippocampus, despite state-of-the-art antibiotic therapy. Cortical neuronal apoptosis is also a key feature in HIV encephalopathy, which is caused by CNS infection with HIV-1 and characterized by the presence of infected macrophages in the brain.

Common Neurological Disorders with Infections & Inflammations

• Brain Abscess

This is an abscess caused by inflammation and collection of infected material, coming from local or remote infectious sources, within the brain tissue. The infection may also be introduced through a skull fracture following head trauma or surgical procedure. Brain abscess is usually associated with congenital heart disease in young children.

• Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis

This is a rare disorder and can be of two types-septic cavernous thrombosis and aseptic cavernous thrombosis. Most commonly the form is septic cavernous sinus thrombosis. The cause is usually from a spreading infection in the nose, sinuses, ears, or teeth. Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus are often the associated bacteria.

• Cysticercosis

Cysticercosis is a tissue infection caused by the young form of the pork tapeworm. Cysticercosis is usually acquired by eating food or drinking water contaminated by tapeworm eggs from human feces. Among foods, uncooked vegetables are the major source.

• Encephalitis

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain. Causes of encephalitis include viruses such as herpes simplex virus and rabies as well as bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Other causes include autoimmune diseases and certain medications.

• Meningitis

Meningitis is an acute inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known collectively as the meninges. The inflammation may be caused by infection with viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms, and less commonly by certain drugs.

• Parasitic Diseases

A parasitic disease, also known as parasitosis, is an infectious disease caused or transmitted by a parasite.

• Post-Polio Syndrome

A post-polio syndrome is a group of latent symptoms of poliomyelitis (polio), occurring at about a 25-40% rate. These symptoms are caused by the damaging effects of the viral infection on the nervous system.

Moreover, other neurological disorders with infections and inflammations include prion diseases, variant creutzfeldt-jakob disease, and zoster and postherpetic neuralgia.

Neurological Disorders with Infections & Inflammations

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