Uncovering the neurological effects of West Nile virus during a record-breaking southern Spain outbreak in 2020 –2021

The 2020 –21 West Nile Virus (WNV) outbreak in Andalusia, Spain, was the largest reported in the country, with eight cases of West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease (WNND) diagnosed in a tertiary hospital. Diagnosis of WNND is based on detecting WNV RNA, viral isolation, or demonstrating a specific immune respons e against the virus, with additional tests used to support the diagnosis. Treatment remains supportive, with variable outcomes. The potential efficacy of plasma exchange (PLEX) in select cases raises the possibility of an autoimmune component secondary to infectious pathology of the central nervous system.
Source: Journal of Neuroimmunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Tags: Short Communication Source Type: research