To highlight the current understanding of Orthopoxvirus neuropathogenesis and associated neurological manifestations, emphasizing their significance in public health.
Key Findings:
MPXV can cause neurological syndromes such as headaches, seizures, altered consciousness, and encephalopathy, with significant implications for clinical management.
MRI findings in MPXV-infected individuals show hyperintensities consistent with brain edema, indicating potential areas for targeted intervention.
Pleocytosis in CSF indicates active CNS infection by MPXV, highlighting the need for timely diagnostic procedures.
Other orthopoxviruses like variola, vaccinia, camelpox, and cowpox also exhibit neurotropism, suggesting a broader concern for public health.
Interpretation:
Orthopoxviruses, traditionally not classified as neurotropic, are increasingly recognized for their ability to infect the nervous system and cause significant neurological damage, particularly in the context of the ongoing public health emergency.
Limitations:
The review primarily focuses on MPXV, potentially overlooking other orthopoxviruses and their neurological impacts.
Limited data on long-term neurological outcomes in MPXV-infected individuals may affect the comprehensiveness of the findings.
Conclusion:
The increasing incidence of MPXV infections and their neurological implications necessitate urgent further research into their neuropathogenesis and the development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
