obsolete Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus meningitis

Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Meningitis: An Obsolete Condition

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) meningitis is a rare and self-limiting disease caused by the LCMV infection. The condition was once considered obsolete, but it still holds significance in understanding the spectrum of illnesses caused by this virus.

Characteristics of LCMV Meningitis

• Inflammation: LCMV meningitis results in inflammation of the meninges, which are the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord [5].
• Self-limiting disease: Aseptic meningitis, a condition often caused by LCMV infection, is characterized by sudden onset fever with signs and symptoms of meningeal involvement. It is typically self-limiting, meaning it resolves on its own without treatment [7].

Association with Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus

• Rodent-borne virus: LCMV is a rodent-borne arenavirus that has been causally associated with postnatal and in utero infection [9].
• Asymptomatic or mild illness: In most cases, LCMV infection in humans is asymptomatic or causes mild illness. However, it can lead to more severe conditions like meningitis and meningoencephalitis in rare instances [1][6].

Historical Significance

• Discovery: Four decades ago, LCMV was discovered independently in three different localities in the U.S.A., marking a significant milestone in understanding this virus [8].

The information provided above is based on the search results and context provided. The citations refer to the corresponding search result numbers.

References: [1] by O Donor — LCMV infection in humans can be asymptomatic or cause a spectrum of illness ranging from isolated fever to meningitis and encephalitis. [5] Here are some information I found about obsolete Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus meningitis: A lymphocytic choriomeningitis that results_in inflammation ... [6] Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection in humans is usually asymptomatic, although it can cause aseptic meningitis or, in rare cases, meningoencephalitis. [7] Aseptic meningitis is a self-limiting disease characterized by the sudden onset of fever with signs and symptoms of meningeal involvement. [8] Four decades ago, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus was discovered, at about the same time and independently, in 3 different localities in the U.S.A. ... [9] Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), a rodent-borne arenavirus, has been causally associated with postnatal and in utero infection.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) meningitis, although considered obsolete, can still present with various symptoms. According to the available information:

• Adults often report symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, malaise, weakness, stiff neck, and photophobia [1][7].
• In humans, LCMV infection is frequently asymptomatic but can present as a nonspecific viral illness, sometimes accompanied by headache or fever [2].
• Aseptic meningitis, which is often associated with LCMV, produces signs of neurological irritation, including burning pain in the legs, headache, meningismus (inflammation of the meninges), and other symptoms [6].

Less Common Symptoms

Some individuals may experience additional symptoms, such as:

• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rash have been described in some cases [4].
• Impaired consciousness, seizures, and focal neurologic signs suggest the likelihood of encephalitis or other severe infections (meningitis, parameningeal) [3].

Key Points

It's essential to note that LCMV meningitis is considered obsolete, and most information available is based on historical data. However, understanding its symptoms can still be crucial for diagnosis and treatment purposes.

References:

[1] by H Kaur · 2024 · Cited by 32 [2] Aug 16, 2023 [3] by JE Greenlee · 2014 · Cited by 5 [4] by SA Fischer · 2006 · Cited by 595 [6] [7]

Diagnostic Tests for Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV) Meningitis

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) meningitis is a rare but serious viral infection that affects the brain and spinal cord. Diagnosing LCMV meningitis can be challenging, but several diagnostic tests are available to confirm the presence of the virus.

Serologic Testing

Serologic testing is a common method used to diagnose LCMV meningitis. This test detects the presence of antibodies against the virus in a patient's blood or spinal fluid. According to [3], serologic testing has been found useful in detecting LCMV, and neurologic LCMV infection in Spain has been diagnosed primarily by serologic tests.

Reverse-Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

A more sensitive and faster diagnostic test for LCMV meningitis is the reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This test detects the virus's genetic material in the serum or cerebrospinal fluid. As of [4], PCR is considered the most sensitive and fastest method for detecting LCMV.

Immunofluorescent Antibody Test

The immunofluorescent antibody test is another serologic test used to diagnose LCMV meningitis. This test detects both IgM and IgG antibodies against the virus and has greater sensitivity than other serologic tests [5].

Lumbar Puncture and Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis

A lumbar puncture may be performed to collect cerebrospinal fluid, which can then be analyzed for signs of infection. This test is often used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods.

Immunohistochemistry and Other Tests

In some cases, diagnosis can be made through characteristic histopathologic findings and the use of immunohistochemistry or other tests [6].

References:

[1] Apr 2, 2024 — Testing and diagnosis. Healthcare providers diagnose LCM by testing for the virus or its antibodies in a patient's blood or spinal fluid. [3] by M Pérez-Ruiz · 2012 · Cited by 24 — Serologic testing has been found useful in detecting LCMV. Neurologic LCMV infection in Spain has been diagnosed primarily by serologic tests (5,6). [4] Mar 2, 2023 — Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect virus in the serum or cerebrospinal fluid is the most sensitive and fastest ... [5] by DJ Bonthius · 2012 · Cited by 214 — Thus, congenital LCMV infection is usually diagnosed by means of serologic testing. The immunofluorescent antibody test detects both IgM and IgG and has greater ... [6] Diagnosis: Diagnosis can be made through serology or, more likely, based on characteristic histopathologic findings and use of immunohistochemistry or other ...

Current Treatment Options for Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV) Meningitis

While there is no specific treatment available for LCMV infection, the focus is on relieving symptoms and supporting the body's recovery process. According to recent studies [3][4], antiviral medications like ribavirin have shown promise in laboratory settings but lack conclusive evidence of effectiveness in humans.

Supportive Care

Treatment aims to alleviate symptoms and manage complications [7]. For individuals with meningitis or brain infections, hospitalization may be necessary, and antiviral medication might be administered as a supportive measure. However, the primary approach remains symptomatic relief and general care.

Ribavirin's Limited Role

Research suggests that ribavirin, an antiviral drug used to treat various viral diseases, is effective against LCMV in laboratory settings [6][9]. Nevertheless, there is insufficient evidence to support its use as a treatment for human LCMV infections. In vitro studies have shown promising results, but further research is needed to confirm its efficacy in humans.

No Specific Treatment Available

As of now, no specific treatment exists for lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection [1][2]. Early data indicate that the virus may be susceptible to ribavirin, but more studies are required to establish its effectiveness as a treatment option. In some cases, anti-inflammatory medications like corticosteroids might be considered, but this is not a standard practice.

References:

[1] Context result 3 [2] Context result 4 [3] Context result 8 [4] Context result 9 [6] Context result 6 [7] Context result 7 [9] Context result 9

The differential diagnosis for obsolete Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) meningitis involves considering various conditions that can present with similar symptoms.

According to the available information, the differential diagnosis for acquired LCMV includes all causes of aseptic meningitis, influenza, mononucleosis, mumps meningoencephalitis, and other viral infections [5]. Additionally, the differential diagnosis for congenital LCMV infection includes infectious agents such as toxoplasmosis, rubella, CMV, and others that comprise the expanded acronym TORCHES [6].

In terms of specific clues leading to the diagnosis, aseptic meningitis during winter and the finding of hypoglycorrachia and lymphocytosis in the cerebrospinal fluid are notable indicators [3]. Furthermore, LCMV infection in humans is most common in autumn due to migration of mice into warm structures prior to winter [4].

It's also worth noting that diagnosis involves viral cultures and serology, with cerebrospinal fluid showing lymphocytosis and decreased glucose level being indicative of the disease [8]. The disease itself is usually self-limiting in immunocompetent individuals.

In terms of differential diagnoses for obsolete LCMV meningitis, it's essential to consider other conditions that may present with similar symptoms. These include:

• Aseptic meningitis
• Influenza
• Mononucleosis
• Mumps meningoencephalitis
• Other viral infections

It's also crucial to consider the expanded acronym TORCHES for congenital LCMV infection, which includes infectious agents such as toxoplasmosis, rubella, CMV, and others.

References:

[3] Asnis DS. Clues leading to the diagnosis of Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection. 2010. [4] Mar 2, 2023 — LCMV infection in humans is most common in autumn due to migration of mice into warm structures prior to winter. [5] Oct 16, 2024 — The differential diagnosis for acquired LCMV includes all causes of aseptic meningitis, influenza, mononucleosis, mumps meningoencephalitis, and other viral infections. [6] Strausbaugh LJ. The differential diagnosis of congenital Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection. 2001. [8] Diagnosis involves viral cultures and serology, with cerebrospinal fluid showing lymphocytosis and decreased glucose level being indicative of the disease.