Meningitis can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Many viruses, such as enteroviruses, herpesviruses, and influenza viruses, can cause this neurological disorder. However, enteroviruses have been found to be the underlying cause of most viral meningitis cases worldwide.
Review Arch Virol 2021 Feb;166(2):335-345. doi: 10.1007/s00705-020-04891-1. Epub 2021 Jan 3.
Viral meningitis: an overview
Amira Kohil 1, Sara Jemmieh 1, Maria K Smatti 2, Hadi M Yassine 3Affiliations expand
- PMID: 33392820
- PMCID: PMC7779091
- DOI: 10.1007/s00705-020-04891-1
Free PMC article
Abstract
Meningitis is a serious condition that affects the central nervous system. It is an inflammation of the meninges, which is the membrane that surrounds both the brain and the spinal cord. Meningitis can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Many viruses, such as enteroviruses, herpesviruses, and influenza viruses, can cause this neurological disorder. However, enteroviruses have been found to be the underlying cause of most viral meningitis cases worldwide. With few exceptions, the clinical manifestations and symptoms associated with viral meningitis are similar for the different causative agents, which makes it difficult to diagnose the disease at early stages. The pathogenesis of viral meningitis is not clearly defined, and more studies are needed to improve the health care of patients in terms of early diagnosis and management. This review article discusses the most common causative agents, epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and pathogenesis of viral meningitis.
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