Equine encephalitis, west american A83.1

Author: Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020

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Synonym(s)

WEE; West American equine encephalitis; West Equine Encephalitis

History
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Beck, 1938

Definition
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Arbovirosis, caused by Western Equine Encephalitis virus, which can cause encephalitis in horses and humans.

Pathogen
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  • West American equine encephalitis virus, genus Alphavirus, family Togaviridae. So far 6 subtypes are known.
  • The pathogens circulate biocyclically between mosquitoes (Culex-, Culisera-species) and birds, which do not become ill.

Occurrence/Epidemiology
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Endemic-enzootic and epidemic-epizootic occurrence. Occurrence in West America. Epidemics in humans after epizootics.

Manifestation
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Men fall ill more often than women. Children and older people (< 55 years) are more seriously ill.

Clinical features
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  • Incubation period: 5-10 days.
  • The majority of the diseases have an inapparent immunizing course.
  • Sudden onset of fever, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, neuro-psychological disorders as well as myalgia, encephalitis. Generalized viral exanthema rarely occurs.

Diagnosis
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Virus isolation. Antigen ELISA test.

Differential diagnosis
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Viral and bacterial encephalitis of other genesis.

Complication(s)
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Neurological defect healing, especially in children (infants and toddlers).

Therapy
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Symptomatic.

Progression/forecast
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  • lethality up to 3-4% in children and 8-15% in the elderly Severe residual healings.
  • In adults: slight course, healing mostly complete, but long convalescence possible.

Prophylaxis
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  • Mosquito control and protection.
  • Inactivated vaccines for risk groups and for horses.

Literature
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  1. Beck CE, Wyckoff RWG (1938) The antigenic stability of the Western equine encephalomyelitis. Science 88: 264

Outgoing links (1)

Virus exanthema (overview);

Disclaimer

Please ask your physician for a reliable diagnosis. This website is only meant as a reference.

Authors

Last updated on: 29.10.2020