Neuroinfectious
diseases affect the nervous system, from the brain and spinal cord to muscles
and nerves.
There
are a wide range of neuroinfectious diseases, including:
- Meningitis
and encephalitis, in which inflammation of the membranes surrounding the
brain and spinal cord caused by bacterial or viral infection may lead to
disability or death.
- Progressive
multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a viral infection that can lead to loss of
coordination, language ability and memory.
- HIV-associated
neurodegeneration, a dementia induced by HIV infection despite successful
antiretroviral therapy.
- Neurosarcoidosis,
an inflammatory disease of the nervous system marked by facial weakness and
headache that may lead to a chronic condition.
- HTLV 1
myelopathy hereditary spastic paraparesis, a progressive disease of the
spinal cord resulting in painfully stiff, weak legs.
- Transverse
myelitis, an inflammation of both sides of the spinal cord that can cause
pain, weakness, paralysis, sensory problems, or bladder and bowel
dysfunction.
Treatments
for these diseases may include antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory or
anticonvulsive medicines, among other approaches.
Treatments
in this area are complex and evolving. There are currently no cures.
Mysteries of Disease that Need to be Solved
How can we minimize the global burden of disability from
neurological manifestations of infectious diseases?
Can we develop therapies for neuro-invasive viruses?
Can we improve diagnostics and laboratory science by using
molecular diagnostics and serum DNA analysis for diagnosis of infectious
disease?
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