Epidemiological Aspects of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Infections

Abstract

precipitated suspensions examined with an electron microscope (76, 77). In the electron micrographs of virus prepared by the latter method, the agent appeared to have a distinct core and a membrane. Other investigators have described an external envelope with a diameter of 60 to 70 m,u and a 30to 40-m, internal spherical nucleoid (58). The virus can be filtered through Berkefeld V and N filters and Seitz filters (78). The agent is not readily inactivated by Formalin and can be preserved by lyophilization or in 50% buffered glycerol at-70 C (102). DETECTION AND DIAGNOsIs Clinical Features Until recently, VEE generally has been considered a mild disease in the human being. A recent outbreak in Venezuela, however, reportedly has taken the lives of at least 190 persons of nearly 32,000 with the disease (91). The exact incubation period is not known but is considered to be short, ranging from 2 to 5 days; the onset is usually very sudden. Symptoms may include headache, fever lasting from 1 to 4 days, malaise, chills, nausea or vomiting, and myalgia. Severe encephalitis or generalized systemic iUnesses may occur. In rare instances, tremors, diplopia, and lethargy are also noted. Symptoms persist in mild cases for 3 to 5 days and for as long as 8 days in more serious attacks. After the general symptoms of the disease disappear, a prompt and apparently complete recovery usually takes place (13, 59, 66, 85, 96, 102). In the recent Venezuelan outbreak, Castillo (14a) and Rovira (84a) reported that fatalities occurred only in children of both sexes under 15 years of age, and that the clinical picture was often confused with the disease caused by the influenza virus. Virus Isolation Procedures

Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Capsid—The Clever Caper

“…Disease that progresses to encephalitis can lead to long lasting neurological deficits. Regardless of symptoms, the overall length of the disease is about one week [ 8 , 11 , 12 , 13 ].…”

Mosquito-Borne Diseases, Pesticides Used for Mosquito Control, and Development of Resistance to Insecticides

“…Although virtually any mosquito can be found infected with VEE virus during epizootics, it is thought that A. taeniorhynchus is the main vector responsible for transmitting VEE virus during outbreaks, whereas Culex mosquitoes species transmitted enzootic virus strains of VEE [22]. Subcutaneous injection, nasal instillation, and contact with broken skin or bedding contaminated animals are other ways to spread the virus, especially in a lab environment [23].…”

Protein Kinase C subtype δ interacts with Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus capsid protein and regulates viral RNA binding through modulation of capsid phosphorylation

“…In up to 14%, of cases, severe neurological complications can occur due to encephalitis, including seizures, confusion, blurred vision and coma. Progression to encephalitis can lead to long lasting neurological deficits and about 1% of cases are fatal [2][3][4][5].…”