How does West Nile virus enter the brain?
As a higher viral burden in serum usually correlates with earlier viral entry into the brain, it has been suggested that WNV infects the CNS in part via hematogenous spread 29.
How does the immune system respond to the West Nile virus?
West Nile infection triggers production of interferon, a group of proteins that are crucial in immune defense. Interferon, which binds to IFNAR, subsequently signals the JAK-STAT molecular pathway, a series of biochemical reactions essential for turning on immune-defense genes, allowing the body to clear out the virus.
Which vector is responsible for the transmission of West Nile virus?
West Nile virus is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Infected mosquitoes then spread West Nile virus to people and other animals by biting them.
Are there long term side effects of West Nile virus?
The most common long-term effects are depression, tremors, fatigue, memory problems, extremity weakness, word-finding difficulty and headaches. Since WNV arrived in North America in 1999, it has become the most common arboviral infection in the continent.
Why are viruses like Ebola and West Nile able to evade an immune response?
Researchers have likely found one reason why the Ebola virus is such a powerful, deadly, and effective virus. Using a cell culture model for Ebola virus infection, they have discovered that the virus disables a cellular protein called tetherin that normally can block the spread of virus from cell to cell.
Can West Nile cause brain damage?
Spread by the bite of a mosquito, West Nile virus can cause fever and sometimes life-threatening brain infections known as West Nile encephalitis. About half the people who survive the encephalitis are left with permanent neurological problems such as disabling fatigue, weakness, difficulty walking and memory loss.
What is the causative agent of West Nile virus?
West Nile virus (WNV) is single-stranded RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family, genus Flavivirus. It is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito.
What vector causes West Nile disease?
Vector Preference Culex mosquitoes are accepted as the primary global transmission vector; C. tarsalis is a main mosquito vector of WNV in the western United States and can feed on a variety of avian and mammalian species (95, 163).