Arthropod-borne encephalitides in the Americas.
Abstract: The arthropod-borne encephalitides are an important cause of equine and human morbidity in the Americas. Between 1975 and 1978, 6970 human cases of arboviral encephalitis were reported in the United States of America; however, this represents only a fraction of the true incidence. St Louis encephalitis (4824 cases), California encephalitis (1035 cases), and western equine encephalitis (WEE, 947 cases) accounted for 98.5% of all reported infections. Approximately 1000-4000 cases of equine encephalitis occur annually in the United States, the majority due to WEE. In tropical America, important outbreaks of Venezuelan, eastern, and western equine encephalitis, and of Rocio encephalitis have occurred.In this article, epidemiological aspects of arboviral encephalitis outbreaks occurring within the past 5 years are reviewed. In addition, summaries of current research activities on the ecology and epidemiology of St Louis, western equine, Venezuelan equine, Rocio, and California encephalitis viruses are presented, and the problem of control of these infections is discussed.
Publication Date: 1979-01-01 PubMed ID: 93518PubMed Central: PMC2395829
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research article focuses on the investigation of arthropod-borne encephalitides, diseases that cause significant human and equine morbidity in the Americas. The study discusses the epidemiological factors of such outbreaks in the last five years and presents ongoing research on the ecology and epidemiology of these diseases, while also discussing the challenges of controlling these infections.
Overview of Arthropod-borne Encephalitides
- The study begins by establishing the importance of arthropod-borne encephalitides as a cause of illness in both humans and horses in the Americas. This group of diseases is transmitted through the bite of infected arthropods, such as mosquitoes.
- Between the years 1975 and 1978, 6970 cases of arboviral encephalitis (a type of arthropod-borne encephalitis) were reported in the USA. However, the authors suggest this is likely a significant underestimation of the true incidence.
- The most common types of these infections reported were St Louis encephalitis (4824 cases), California encephalitis (1035 cases), and western equine encephalitis (WEE, 947 cases), combining to make up 98.5% of all reported infections.
- Regarding equine morbidity, between 1000-4000 cases of equine encephalitis are reported annually in the USA, with the majority attributed to WEE.
Epidemiology of Arthropod-borne Encephalitides in Tropical America
- In tropical America, significant outbreaks of diseases such as Venezuelan, eastern, and western equine encephalitis, and Rocio encephalitis have occurred.
- The study reviews the epidemiological characteristics of these arboviral encephalitis outbreaks over the past five years to understand the patterns and trends in disease transmission and prevalence.
Current Research on Arthropod-borne Encephalitides
- The study also presents a summary of the current research being conducted on the ecology and epidemiology of St Louis, western equine, Venezuelan equine, Rocio, and California encephalitis viruses.
- Understanding the ecological factors affecting these diseases and studying their patterns of spread and occurrence can lead to better control measures and preventative strategies.
Control of Arthropod-borne Encephalitides
- The final part of the study discusses the problem of controlling these infections. Given their widespread occurrence and significant morbidity in humans and animals, effective control and prevention strategies are needed to manage these diseases.
- However, the study suggests that controlling these diseases is a complex challenge due to various factors such as vector ecology, human behavior, and environmental conditions.
Cite This Article
APA
Monath TP.
(1979).
Arthropod-borne encephalitides in the Americas.
Bull World Health Organ, 57(4), 513-533.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Americas
- Animals
- Encephalitis, Tick-Borne / epidemiology
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Retrospective Studies
References
This article includes 7 references
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Citations
This article has been cited 10 times.- Wilcox DR, Collens SI, Solomon IH, Mateen FJ, Mukerji SS. Eastern equine encephalitis and use of IV immunoglobulin therapy and high-dose steroids. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm 2021 Jan;8(1).
- Azar SR, Campos RK, Bergren NA, Camargos VN, Rossi SL. Epidemic Alphaviruses: Ecology, Emergence and Outbreaks. Microorganisms 2020 Aug 1;8(8).
- Günther G, Haglund M. Tick-borne encephalopathies : epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. CNS Drugs 2005;19(12):1009-32.
- Lambert AJ, Martin DA, Lanciotti RS. Detection of North American eastern and western equine encephalitis viruses by nucleic acid amplification assays. J Clin Microbiol 2003 Jan;41(1):379-85.
- Sardelis MR, Turell MJ, Dohm DJ, O'Guinn ML. Vector competence of selected North American Culex and Coquillettidia mosquitoes for West Nile virus. Emerg Infect Dis 2001 Nov-Dec;7(6):1018-22.
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