What Is Microbiology - Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis

​Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is caused by mutant measles virus. Patient with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis may be detected by high measles virus antibody levels in cerebrospinal fluid and serum. 

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis may present with inflammation and demyelination. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is caused by  variant of measles virus with mutation in the matrix protein which important in assembly and budding of the virus. There will be no antibody to matrix protein. 

Patient with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis may present with changes in the intellectual and personality with period of muscular spams ( myoclonic jerk) , blindness, spasticity and death. Measles virus is transmitted mostly via respiratory droplets. Measles virus may escape immune reaction due to action of fusion protein ( cell to cell fusion). 

Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis may occur in children 6 years after acute attack of measles and presented with late progressive neurological disorders. 

Patient is given live attenuated measles virus vaccine to prevent this condition.