Work

Armies of Pestilence: CNS Infections as Potential Weapons of Mass Destruction

Year: 2014

Type: review

Abstract: Infectious agents have been investigated, developed, and used by both governments and terrorist groups as weapons of mass destruction. CNS infections, though traditionally considered less often than respiratory diseases in this scenario, may be very important. Viruses responsible for encephalitides can be highly infectious in aerosol form. CNS involvement in anthrax is ominous but should change treatment. Brucellosis, plague, Q fever, and other bacteria can uncommonly manifest with meningoencephalitis and other findings. Emerging diseases may also pose threats. We review infectious agents of particular concern for purposes of biowarfare with respect to CNS manifestations and imaging features.

Source: American Journal of Neuroradiology

DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4177

Authors: B.L. Hart, L. Ketai

Institution: University of New Mexico

Language: English

Topic: Infectious Encephalopathies and Encephalitis

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health