Global Landscape of Encephalitis: Key Priorities to Reduce Future Disease Burden

• Published in: Clinical infectious diseases Vol. 77; no. 11; pp. 1552 - 1560
• Main Authors: Granerod, Julia, Huang, Yun, Davies, Nicholas W S, Sequeira, Patricia C, Mwapasa, Victor, Rupali, Priscilla, Michael, Benedict D, Solomon, Tom, Easton, Ava
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: US Oxford University Press 30.11.2023
• Subjects: Cost of Illness; Disease Progression; Encephalitis - epidemiology; Humans; Incidence; Quality of Life; treatment; diagnosis; encephalitis; burden; vaccination
• ISSN: 1058-4838; 1537-6591
• DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad417

Abstract Encephalitis affects people across the lifespan, has high rates of mortality and morbidity, and results in significant neurological sequelae with long-term consequences to quality of life and wider society. The true incidence is currently unknown due to inaccurate reporting systems. The disease burden of encephalitis is unequally distributed across the globe being highest in low- and middle-income countries where resources are limited. Here countries often lack diagnostic testing, with poor access to essential treatments and neurological services, and limited surveillance and vaccination programs. Many types of encephalitis are vaccine preventable, whereas others are treatable with early diagnosis and appropriate management. In this viewpoint, we provide a narrative review of key aspects of diagnosis, surveillance, treatment, and prevention of encephalitis and highlight priorities for public health, clinical management, and research, to reduce the disease burden. Encephalitis affects people across the lifespan, with high rates of mortality and morbidity. This viewpoint reviews key aspects of diagnosis, surveillance, treatment, and prevention of encephalitis and highlights priorities for public health, clinical management, and research, to reduce disease burden.