What causes encephalitis?
Disease description:
This afternoon, my child was found to have a slight fever and vomited twice, so we went to the hospital. The doctor said it could possibly be encephalitis. I'm very worried. Is encephalitis a serious condition?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Encephalitis refers to inflammatory lesions of the brain parenchyma caused by pathogen invasion, and its causes include:
1. Viral infection: Common viruses include herpes simplex virus, influenza virus, mumps virus, and others, which can invade the brain through different routes, leading to viral encephalitis.
2. Bacterial infection: Such as Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, which spread via the bloodstream or directly from adjacent infected areas to the brain tissue, causing purulent encephalitis.
3. Fungal infection: Such as Cryptococcus and Candida, which are more common in individuals with weakened immune systems, especially HIV/AIDS patients.
4. Parasitic infection: Such as toxoplasmosis and cysticercosis, which can be contracted through food or contact with animals, leading to brain lesions.
5. Autoimmune diseases: Such as anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, which is caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking nerve cells in the brain.
6. Metabolic diseases: Such as uremia and hepatic encephalopathy, which are not directly caused by infections, but can lead to brain dysfunction and sometimes present with symptoms resembling encephalitis.
7. Medications or toxins: Excessive use or poisoning, such as lead or mercury poisoning, can also cause clinical manifestations similar to encephalitis.
