lymphocytic choriomeningitis

Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM): A Viral Disease Caused by Rodent-Borne Arenavirus

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis, also known as LCM, is a viral disease caused by the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), a member of the family Arenaviridae. This disease is typically transmitted to humans through contact with rodents, such as mice and rats, which carry the virus in their urine, saliva, droppings, and nesting material [9][10].

Symptoms

The symptoms of LCM can vary from person to person but often include a flu-like illness, characterized by fever, malaise, myalgia (muscle pain), headache, photophobia (sensitivity to light), nausea, vomiting, sore throat, and rash [7][14]. In some cases, the disease can progress to more severe symptoms, such as meningitis or encephalitis, which affect the central nervous system [11].

Transmission

LCM is primarily transmitted through contact with rodents that carry the virus. This can occur when people handle pet rodents or come into contact with wild rodents in their environment [13]. The virus can also be spread through contaminated food and water or by touching surfaces that have been contaminated with rodent urine, saliva, or droppings.

Risk Groups

Certain groups of people are at higher risk for developing severe symptoms from LCM. These include:

• Pregnant women: Infection during pregnancy has been associated with fetal congenital infections [12].
• Immunocompromised individuals: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, may be more susceptible to severe symptoms.
• Young children and older adults: These age groups may also be at higher risk for developing severe symptoms.

Prevention

To prevent LCM, it is essential to avoid contact with rodents that carry the virus. This includes:

• Avoiding handling pet rodents or their cages
• Not touching surfaces that have been contaminated with rodent urine, saliva, or droppings
• Washing hands thoroughly after handling food and water
• Using gloves when cleaning up rodent waste

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for LCM. Treatment typically involves supportive care to manage symptoms, such as rest, hydration, and pain management.

References:

[1] Jun 25, 2020 — Importance. [9] Result: noun | a form of viral meningitis caused by a virus carried by the common house mouse [10] Lymphocytic choriomeningitis, or LCM, is a disease caused by a virus and spread by the common house mouse, Mus musculus. Healthy people with LCM usually recover. [11] Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) is a rodent -borne viral infectious disease that presents as aseptic meningitis, encephalitis or meningoencephalitis. [12] Its causative agent is the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), a member of the family Arenaviridae that was initially isolated in 1933. Although LCMV is recognized as causing neurological disease,infection without symptoms is common. Infection during pregnancy has been associated with fetal congenital [13] Lymphocytic choriomeningitis is a viral disease that sometimes affects the nervous system. The lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus typically infects rodents first, most frequently the common house rat. [14] Lymphocytic choriomeningitis is a viral infection that usually causes a flu-like illness, sometimes with rash, joint pain, or infections in other parts of the body.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM)

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis, a viral infection caused by the LCMV virus, can manifest in various ways. Most people with LCM experience no or only mild symptoms, but some may develop more severe signs.

Common Symptoms:

• Fever [1]
• Malaise (general feeling of being unwell) [3]
• Pain (chest, testicles, or glands in the mouth) [1]
• Sore throat [1]
• Cough [1]
• Headache [5]
• Nausea and vomiting [5]

Less Common Symptoms:

• Aseptic meningitis (inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) [10, 14]
• Encephalitis (brain infection) [15]
• Rash [6, 14]
• Arthritis (joint pain) [6]
• Orchitis (testicular inflammation) [6]
• Parotitis (inflammation of the salivary glands) [6]

Rare but Serious Complications:

• Inflammation of the spinal cord and paralysis [3]
• Fetal congenital hydrocephalus, chorio-retinitis, and other complications during pregnancy [11]

It's essential to note that some people may not show any symptoms at all or may only experience mild symptoms. If you suspect you have been exposed to LCMV or are experiencing symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References: [1] - Context result 1 [3] - Context result 3 [5] - Context result 5 [6] - Context result 6 [10] - Context result 10 [11] - Context result 11 [14] - Context result 14 [15] - Context result 15

Treatment Overview

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) has no specific treatment, and the focus is on relieving symptoms and maintaining vital functions. The severity of the illness determines the necessary measures.

• Supportive Treatment: This approach focuses on alleviating symptoms and supporting the body's natural recovery process.
• Hospitalization: People with meningitis or a brain infection require hospitalization to receive proper care and monitoring.

Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

In some cases, anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroids may be considered under specific circumstances. However, this is not a standard treatment for LCM.

• Corticosteroids: These medications can help reduce inflammation in the body, but their use is limited to severe cases or when other treatments are ineffective.
• Ribavirin: This antiviral medication has shown promise in treating LCM, particularly in cases with neurological symptoms. However, its effectiveness is not universally accepted, and more research is needed.

Other Considerations

While there is no specific treatment for LCM, researchers have explored the potential of other medications to combat the virus. For example:

• Favipiravir: This antiviral medication has demonstrated potent activity against acute, disseminated LCMV infection in mice.
• No Specific Drug Treatment: In most cases, there is no specific drug treatment indicated for LCMV infections.

Key Takeaways

• No specific treatment exists for lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM).
• Supportive treatment and hospitalization are essential for severe cases.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroids may be considered in specific circumstances.
• Research is ongoing to explore the effectiveness of antiviral medications, such as ribavirin and favipiravir.

References:

[2] Lymphocytic choriomeningitis requires hospitalization and supportive treatment based on severity. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids, may be considered under specific circumstances.[3]

[4] In the present study, we demonstrate potent antiviral activity of favipiravir against acute, disseminated LCMV infection in NZB mice.

[8] Early data suggest that the virus is susceptible to ribavirin in some cases.

[9] In the present study, we demonstrate potent antiviral activity of favipiravir against acute, disseminated LCMV infection in NZB mice.

[10] Aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, or meningoencephalit is requires hospitalization and supportive treatment based on severity. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids, may be considered under specific circumstances.[11]

[13] Treatment of lymphocytic choriomeningitis focuses on relieving symptoms and maintaining vital functions. Measures needed depend on the severity of the illness. People with meningitis or a brain infection are hospitalized and may be treated with the antiviral drug ribavirin.

What is Differential Diagnosis?

Differential diagnosis refers to the process of identifying and ruling out other possible causes of a disease or condition, in order to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.

Differential Diagnosis for Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (LCM)

The differential diagnosis for lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) includes various conditions that can cause similar symptoms. These include:

• Aseptic meningitis: This is a condition characterized by inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
• Influenza: The flu virus can also cause meningitis-like symptoms.
• Mononucleosis: Also known as glandular fever, this viral infection can cause symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.
• Mumps meningoencephalitis: This is a rare but serious complication of mumps, which can cause inflammation of the brain and meninges.
• Lyme disease: This bacterial infection can cause meningitis-like symptoms in some cases.

Other Conditions to Consider

In addition to these conditions, other factors such as toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, enteroviruses, human parvovirus, and congenital infections should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of LCM.

References:

• [1] Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a RNA virus that causes aseptic meningitis when it is acquired, and chorioretinitis and other devastating neurologic sequelae in the congenital form. ... The differential diagnosis for acquired LCMV includes all causes of aseptic meningitis, influenza, mononucleosis, mumps meningoencephalitis, Lyme ...
• [2] The differential diagnosis of congenital LCMV infection includes toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, enteroviruses, human parvovirus ...
• [3] Congenital LCMV should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neonatal hydrocephalus (Schulte et al, 2009).
• [4] The term differential is used nonrigorously in calculus to refer to an infinitesimal ("infinitely small") change in some varying quantity.