Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

Abstract

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a subacute encephalopathy of childhood and young adolescence. Infrequently, SSPE can occur in adults and pregnant women. It is caused by an aberrant measles virus, known as the SSPE virus. SSPE virus differs from wild-type measles viruses in the form of several mutations affecting the viral genome. The matrix gene is most commonly affected by these mutations. The characteristic clinical manifestations of SSPE include behavioral changes, cognitive decline, myoclonic jerks, seizures, abnormalities in vision, bilateral pyramidal signs and coma. Ocular changes may occur in up to 50% of patients. The most characteristic ophthalmological lesion is necrotizing retinitis. Cortical blindness can be the early feature of SSPE. The diagnosis of SSPE is often difficult in the early stages. In a typical case diagnosis is based on clinical, electroencephalographic, and cerebrospinal fluid findings. At present, there is no effective treatment to completely cure SSPE. Oral isoprinosine and intrathecal or intraventricular alpha-interferon may prolong survival to some extent. Immunization against measles is currently the most effective strategy against SSPE.

Atypical subacute sclerosing panencephalitis with short onset latency

“…The usual latency period of SSPE is 6-10 years from its onset as it is a slow virus neurodegenerative disorder. The exact factors and influences that allow the measles infection to persist are unclear, but may include several immunological factors [2]. Numerous alterations in M protein have been described in SSPE because of extensive point mutations in viral genome, possibly resulting in persistent viral infection [3].…”

“…Today, they are regarded not only as disease-causing pathogen of fish but are also responsible for variety of complications in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised humans [2]. Aeromonas have gained importance as human pathogens causing gastrointestinal infections.…”

“…Out of 863 traveller's diarrhea patients returning from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, 2% of cases were caused by Aeromonas [4]. Studies have shown that three Aeromonas (A. hydrophila, A. caviae and A. veronii bv Sobria) are responsible for ≥85% of human infections [2]. Clinical spectrum of Aeromonas-induced diarrhoea varies from toxigenic diarrhea to colitis and in developing countries it is predominantly toxigenic [3].…”

“…Clinical spectrum of Aeromonas-induced diarrhoea varies from toxigenic diarrhea to colitis and in developing countries it is predominantly toxigenic [3]. The most common presentation for Aeromonas gastroenteritis is secretory(watery) enteritis suggesting the toxigenic nature of the organism [2]. Aeromonas strains are almost universally susceptible to fluoroquinolones and exhibited multidrug resistance [2].…”

“…The most common presentation for Aeromonas gastroenteritis is secretory(watery) enteritis suggesting the toxigenic nature of the organism [2]. Aeromonas strains are almost universally susceptible to fluoroquinolones and exhibited multidrug resistance [2]. Bhowmika, et al [1] isolated potentially pathogenic and Cholera-like Illness Due to Aeromonas caviae…”