Article ID: JJID.2020.1000
Etiology of viral meningoencephalitis is frequently unidentified. Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) have been known to affect the central nervous system, and should, therefore, be considered for diagnosis of meningoencephalitis since its outcome may be influenced by the etiologic agent, age and immunological condition of the patient. In this study we aimed to determine if CHIKV and ZIKV were the etiological agent of viral encephalitis in meningoencephalitis patients admitted to the main hospital of infectious disease in the city of Salvador, Brazil. From 1049 patients with neurological symptoms who were admitted to the hospital during the time of this study, 149 were enrolled and 20 (13.34%) tested positive for ZIKV (12%) or CHIKV (1.34%). No specific clinical manifestations were observed to be associated to the ZIKV or CHIKV infection. Determination of the etiology of meningitis’ and encephalitis’ causing agent is important for patient management and correct treatment.
