Sequelae of Venezuelan equine encephalitis in humans: a four year follow-up.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was the identification of possible sequelae of the infection of human individuals with Virus of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE). Special emphasis was laid on exploring neurological, psychological and behavioural aspects and particularly on the search for a possible association of the disease with epileptic phenomena, brain damage and/or mental deficiency. A four-year period of observation was conducted on a sample of children from El Carmelo (Colombia) where an epidemic of VEE took place in 1967. A group of seven children who presented the encephalitic type of the illness and were hospitalized with symptoms of CNS involvement and a confirmed diagnosis of VEE constituted the index group. This group was compared with four control groups of children with matched demographic characteristics but separated according to whether they were ill at the time of the epidemic and whether they presented serological evidence of having been infected with VEE Virus. Evaluations were conducted at three points in time during the follow-up period and they included the following procedures: (1) Survey on personal background and behaviour (through a standard questionnaire dealing with all areas of functioning); (2) Complete paediatric examination, including a careful neurological check-up; (3) Psychological examination using intelligence tests; (4) Electro-encephalographic examination according to standard techniques, with the patient awake, asleep and under photic stimulation; (5) Bi-weekly home visits to keep a record on intercurrent illness throughout the observation period. Statistical analysis of results shows significant differences between the groups in regard to the distribution of abnormalities.
Publication Date: 1975-06-01 PubMed ID: 1165151DOI: 10.1093/ije/4.2.131Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- U.S. Gov't
- P.H.S.
- Clinical Examination
- Clinical Findings
- Clinical Study
- Diagnosis
- Disease Diagnosis
- Disease Etiology
- Disease Outbreaks
- Disease Surveillance
- Disease Treatment
- Encephalitis
- Epidemiology
- Equine Health
- Hospitalization
- Human Health
- Infectious Disease
- Longitudinal Study
- Neurological Diseases
- Observational Study
- Public Health
- Statistical Analysis
- Virus
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The research article explores the long-term effects, particularly neurological and psychological, of Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE) virus infection in humans. The researchers utilized four years of observation data from a sample group of children who were part of a VEE epidemic in Colombia in 1967.
Research Objectives
- The primary aim of this study was to identify potential long-term health complications (sequelae) resulting from VEE infection in humans.
- The study focused primarily on neurological, psychological, and behavioral effects in infected individuals.
- The researchers sought to investigate any possible connections between the disease and occurrences of epilepsy, brain damage, or mental deficiencies.
Research Methods
- The study was conducted over a four-year period with a sample group of children from El Carmelo, Colombia, which experienced a VEE epidemic in 1967.
- The study’s index group consisted of seven children who had shown encephalitic symptoms of the disease, had been hospitalized with Central Nervous System (CNS) involvement, and were confirmed VEE-infected.
- This index group was then compared with four control groups of children with similar demographic characteristics. These groups were separated based on their health status during the epidemic and whether they had serological signs of VEE infection.
- Evaluations were carried out at three points during the follow-up period. These evaluations involved a survey of personal background and behavior, a comprehensive pediatric and neurological exam, a psychological assessment using IQ tests, electroencephalographic examinations, and bi-weekly home visits to track any other illnesses.
Research Findings
- The researchers used statistical analysis to evaluate the results. They found significant differences in the distribution of abnormalities across the groups.
- The specific findings are not detailed in the abstract. However, the mention of significant differences implies that those infected with VEE may experience serious long-term health complications.
Cite This Article
APA
León CA.
(1975).
Sequelae of Venezuelan equine encephalitis in humans: a four year follow-up.
Int J Epidemiol, 4(2), 131-140.
https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/4.2.131 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Child
- Child Behavior Disorders / etiology
- Child, Preschool
- Electroencephalography
- Encephalomyelitis, Equine / complications
- Encephalomyelitis, Venezuelan Equine / complications
- Encephalomyelitis, Venezuelan Equine / immunology
- Female
- Humans
- Infant
- Intelligence
- Male
- Movement Disorders / etiology
- Reflex, Abnormal
- Speech Disorders / etiology
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