Encephalitic/Neuroinvasive Viruses

A collection of vocabulary flashcards related to encephalitic and neuroinvasive viruses, their mechanisms, and associated diseases.

Neuroinvasive Viruses

Viruses that are capable of invading the central nervous system.

Blood Brain Barrier (BBB)

A selective permeability barrier that separates the circulating blood from the brain and extracellular fluid.

CNS

Central Nervous System, consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Viremia

The presence of viruses in the bloodstream.

RABV

Rabies virus, an example of a virus that causes encephalitis.

Encephalitis

Inflammation of the brain, often caused by infection.

Hematogenous Entry

Entry into the CNS through the bloodstream.

Neurotropic

Referring to viruses that have an affinity for nerve cells.

Reactive Astrocytes

Astrocytes that respond to brain injury and inflammation, potentially contributing to recovery or damage.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)

Treatment to prevent disease after potential exposure to an infectious agent, such as rabies.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

A virus that can cause fatal encephalitis and is commonly transmitted through contact.

Arboviruses

Arthropod-borne viruses, which are transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes and ticks.

California Serogroup Virus

A group of arboviruses, including La Crosse virus, known to cause encephalitis, especially in children.

Cytokines

Proteins that are important in cell signaling during immune responses.

Neuronal Death

Cell death occurring in neurons, often due to viral infections leading to encephalitis.

Interferon Response

The immune response involving the production of interferon to combat viral infections.

PAMPs

Pathogen-associated molecular patterns that trigger immune responses.

Immune Response

The body's defense mechanism against foreign substances, including viral infections.