California encephalitis virus
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Anthony Gallo, B.S. [2]
Overview
Historical Perspective
California encephalitis virus was first discovered in 1943 in Kern County, California. In 1945, the first human cases of encephalitis were attributed to this new virus. Three cases in total were reported, and all three cases were Kern County residents. In all three cases there was strong laboratory evidence confirming infection, due to the presence of neutralizing antibodies linked to California encephalitis.[1]
Classification
There is no classification system established for California encephalitis virus. California encephalitis virus belongs to the Group V negative-sense ssRNA virus within the Bunyaviridae family of viruses, and the genus Orthobunyavirus. California encephalitis virus is also known as an arbovirus, or an arthropod-borne virus.[2] The California encephalitis serogroup, which contains genetically similar viruses such as La Crosse encephalitis, shares its name with the virus.
Pathophysiology
California encephalitis virus is usually transmitted via mosquitos to the human host.[2] California encephalitis virus contains negative-sense viral RNA; this RNA is complementary to mRNA and thus must be converted to positive-sense RNA by an RNA polymerase before translation. California encephalitis virus is made up of an enveloped virion with a helically symmetrical capsid.
Causes
Differentiating California Encephalitis Virus from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
CT
MRI
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Prevention
References
- ↑ Eldridge BF, Glaser C, Pedrin RE, Chiles RE (2001). "The first reported case of California encephalitis in more than 50 years". Emerg Infect Dis. 7 (3): 451–2. doi:10.3201/eid0703.010316. PMC 2631795. PMID 11384526.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 M.D. JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, Expert Consult Premium Edition. Saunders; 2014.
California encephalitis virus causes encephalitis in humans.
Initial infection by the virus and primary viremia causes the onset of non-specific symptoms such as headache and fever. Secondary viremia and the multiplication of the virus in the CNS causes symptoms such as stiff neck, lethargy and seizures. It can also cause encephalitis, when inflammation of the brain produced by infection of the virus damages nerve cells, which affects signalling of the brain to the body.
The virus particle is enveloped and contains three nucleocapsids. The envelope conatins G1 glycoproteins and neutralising antibodies against these proteins block fusion of the virus with host cells and inhibit haemagglutination. The virus gemone is over 12000 nucleotides in length and consists of three segments of various sized single-stranded RNA (negative sense and ambi-sense).
CEV is closely related to La Crosse Virus.
References