Lymphocytic
choriomeningitis, or LCM, is a rodent-borne viral infectious disease
that presents as aseptic meningitis (inflammation of the membrane, or
meninges, that surrounds the brain and spinal cord), encephalitis
(inflammation of the brain), or meningoencephalitis (inflammation of
both the brain and meninges).
Its causative agent is the lymphocytic
choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), a member of the family
Arenaviridae
that was initially isolated in 1933.
Lymphocytic
choriomeningitis (LCM) virus infection is probably widespread through
the world, though it has been rigorously documented only in North
America and Europe.
The mode of spread of LCM virus in most sporadic
human cases is unknown , but studies suggest direct contact with
rodents or spread by infected aerosols.
The clinical disease produced by LCM is
a meningitis, a meningo-encephalitis, or a self-limited
febrile illness.
Arthritis, parotiditis, orchitis, and myopericarditis
have also been reported.
Fatal cases in humans are extremely rare.
In
monkeys infected by inhalation, virus can be recovered from the lungs
and hilar lymphnodes 2 days after infection.
Lymphocytic meningitis is often the
most conspicuous lesion, but hemorrhagic necrosis may also be seen in
liver, kidney, heart, adrenal gland, and other organs.
The spleen and lymph nodes show
hyperplasia.
Congenital
Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection:
Lymphocytic
choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is an underdiagnosed fetal teratogen.
This diagnosis
should be considered for infants and children with unexplained
hydrocephalus, micro- or macrocephaly, intracranial calcifications,
chorioretinitis, and nonimmune hydrops.
The
immunofluorescent antibody test is the only reasonable, commercially
available, screening diagnostic tool.
The differential
diagnosis of congenital LCMV infection includes toxoplasmosis
,
rubella
,
cytomegalovirus
,
herpes simplex virus
, enteroviruses, human parvovirus B19, and
syphilis.
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