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Semin Neurol 2011; 31(3): 245-253
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1287650
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Issues and Updates in Emerging Neurologic Viral Infections

Michael R. Wilson1 , 2 , 3 , Kenneth L. Tyler4 , 5
  • 1Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
  • 2Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
  • 3Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
  • 4Department of Neurology, Medicine (Infectious Diseases) and Microbiology, University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center, Aurora, Colorado
  • 5Department of Neurology Service Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado
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Publication History

Publication Date:
30 September 2011 (online)

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ABSTRACT

This review discusses the recent advances in the identification of viral pathogens and other etiologies responsible for cases of suspected viral encephalitis. The authors describe new molecular diagnostic strategies for identifying novel causes of viral encephalitis, including MassTag PCR, DNA microarrays, and high-throughput DNA pyrosequencing. They also highlight the increasing recognition of immune-mediated causes of encephalitis among those cases previously thought to be viral encephalitis of unknown etiology. Lastly, they review some of the most recent updates in the field of emerging neurologic viral infections impacting the United States, including the neurologic complications of H1N1 virus and the reemergence of dengue virus in the Florida Keys.

KEYWORDS

Viral encephalitis - MassTag PCR - DNA microarray - high-throughput DNA pyrosequencing - dengue fever - H1N1 influenza virus - autoimmune encephalitis

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Kenneth L TylerM.D. 

Neurology B-182, Research Complex-2, University of Colorado Denver Health Sciences Center

12700 East 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045

Email: Ken.Tyler@ucdenver.edu