COVID-19-associated encephalitis.

Authors

  • Braidy Sutton University of New South Wales
  • Damian Honeyman University of New South Wales
  • Adriana Notaras The Kirby Institute
  • Ashley Quigley The Kirby Institute

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31646/gbio.189

Keywords:

COVID-19-associated encephalitis, encephalitis, EPIWATCH, COVID-19

Abstract

COVID-19 associated encephalitis has been reported in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 since February 2020. The index case was reported in Japan, but since then, reports have emerged worldwide, with a global incidence rate of 0.215%, and regional incidence rates of up to 18%. While in the acute phase of infection, COVID-19-associated encephalitis can biologically mimic infectious limbic encephalitis, immune-inflammatory-mediated encephalopathy, herpes simplex encephalitis, produce hyperintensities in multiple regions of the brain, and mimic Alzheimer’s Disease. With a high mortality rate of 13.4%, COVID-19-associated encephalitis poses a significant burden on health systems and resources, requiring a combination diagnostic approach, supportive treatment regimens, and regular monitoring for secondary worsening of symptoms. COVID-19-associated encephalitis can emerge up to six weeks post-infection, and elevated risk levels can persist for six months post-infection. Despite emerging evidence and research, significant longitudinal research is required to ascertain the true prevalence and lifetime health risk of developing encephalitis following SARS-CoV-2 infection. This report aims to provide a summary of COVID-19 associated encephalitis.

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Published

2023-02-17

How to Cite

Sutton, B., Honeyman, D., Notaras, A., & Quigley, A. (2023). COVID-19-associated encephalitis. Global Biosecurity, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.31646/gbio.189

Issue

Vol. 5 (2023)

Section

Watching Briefs

License

Copyright (c) 2023 The Author(s)

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Received 2022-12-07
Accepted 2023-02-14
Published 2023-02-17