What Is Microbiology - St. Louis Encephalitis

​St. Louis Encephalitis 


St louis encephalitis is a form of encephalitis which may progress into flu like febrile illness.  The common symptoms and signs of St. Louis encephalitis are high fever, nausea, headache, myalgia, neck stiffness, malaise, backache and disorientation. 

St. Louis encephalitis is caused by St. Louis virus which is a form of flavivirus member. St. Louis encephalitis virus is detected via the virus specific IgM in the cerebrospinal fluid or serum. 

The virus is transmitted by the infected mosquito bites. The virus will enter the blood stream from the sites of inoculation.

The virus will travel to the brain and affect the monocytes - macrophages lineage cells. The virus spread through the central nervous system via the choroid plexus or capillary endothelial cells. 

The common treatment may include DEET containing insect repellant and proper protective clothing.