Meningoencephalitis (pronounced /mɛˌnɪŋɡɵ.ɛnˌsɛfəˈlaɪtɨs/, from Greek: meninges- membranes; enkephalos brain; and -itis inflammation) is a medical condition that simultaneously resembles both meningitis, which is an infection or inflammation of the meninges, and encephalitis, which is an infection or inflammation of the brain.

[edit] Causes

Causative organisms include protozoans, viral and bacterial pathogens.

Specific types include:

[edit] Bacterial

• Listeria monocytogenes

[edit] Viral

• Tick-borne meningoencephalitis
• West Nile virus

[edit] Protozoal

• Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis
• Trypanosoma brucie
• Toxoplasma gondii (sporozoa) (immunocompromised patients)

[edit] Other/multiple

• Granulomatous meningoencephalitis
• Other causes include antibodies targeting amyloid beta peptide proteins which have been used during research on Alzheimer's disease.^[1]
• The fungus, Cryptococcus neoformans, can be symptomatically manifested within the CNS as meningoencephalitis with hydrocephalus being a very characteristic finding due to the unique thick polysaccharide capsule of the organism.

[edit] Prognosis

The disease is associated with high rates of mortality and severe morbidity.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Notable cases

It was the claimed cause of death of the popular British TV presenter Christopher Price.^[2]

In May, 2009 former Premier of New South Wales (Australia) Morris Iemma was admitted to hospital with meningoencephalitis^[3].

[edit] References

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