What infections can cross the blood-brain barrier?

What infections can cross the blood-brain barrier?

Many neurotropic viruses can cross the BBB via a hematogenous route and eventually invade the CNS, such as Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Zika virus (ZIKV), West Nile virus (WNV), tick-borne encephalitis virus of the Flaviviridae,6 Eastern, Western, Venezuelan equine encephalitis viruses of the Togaviridae,7 HIV of …

What can pass thru the blood-brain barrier?

Only water, certain gases (e.g. oxygen), and lipid-soluble substances can easily diffuse across the barrier (other necessary substances like glucose can be actively transported across the blood-brain barrier with some effort).

Can parasites cross the blood-brain barrier?

However, some intracellular and extracellular parasites can traverse the BBB during the course of infection and cause neurological disturbances and/or damage which are at times fatal. The means by which parasites cross the BBB and how the immune system controls the parasites within the brain are still unclear.

Can viruses infect brain?

A virus directly infects the brain. A virus that caused an infection in the past becomes reactivated and directly damages the brain. A virus or vaccine triggers a reaction that makes the immune system attack brain tissue (an autoimmune reaction.

Can bacteria cross the blood-brain barrier?

The blood–brain barrier, which is one of the tightest barriers in the body, protects the brain from insults, such as infections. Indeed, only a few of the numerous blood-borne bacteria can cross the blood–brain barrier to cause meningitis.

What kind of parasites live in the brain?

Cysticercosis is an infection caused by the larvae of the parasite Taenia solium. This infection occurs after a person swallows tapeworm eggs. The larvae get into tissues such as muscle and brain, and form cysts there (these are called cysticerci).

What parasite attacks the brain?

Toxoplasma gondii tops the list as the most famous — and most controversial — neurological parasite. This tiny protozoan doesn’t look like much more than a blob, but once it makes its way to the brain, it can radically alter the behavior of hosts like rats, cats and, yes, even humans.

What viruses cause neurological problems?

Many viruses causing neurological disorders belong to the family of Adenoviridae, Arboviruses (arthropod-borne-virus), Arenaviridae, Herpesviridae, Picornaviridae, Paramyxoviridae as well as Togaviridae.

What are the signs of a brain infection?

headache – which is often severe, located in a single section of the head and cannot be relieved with painkillers. changes in mental state – such as confusion or irritability. problems with nerve function – such as muscle weakness, slurred speech or paralysis on one side of the body. a high temperature.

How does bacteria get to the brain?

Bacteria and other infectious organisms can reach the brain and meninges in several ways: By being carried by the blood. By entering the brain directly from the outside (for example, through a skull fracture or during surgery on the brain) By spreading from nearby infected structures, such as the sinuses or middle ear.

How does bacteria enter the brain with blood?

Microbes that cross the BBB through the transcellular method cross into the CNS through endothelial cells. They gain access to the luminal side of the blood vessel endothelium, where they traverse through the endothelial cells themselves.

What are symptoms of parasites in the brain?

Symptoms of neurocysticercosis depend upon where and how many cysts are found in the brain. Seizures and headaches are the most common symptoms. However, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, difficulty with balance, excess fluid around the brain (called hydrocephalus) may also occur.

What are the most common neurological parasites?

Toxoplasma gondii tops the list as the most famous — and most controversial — neurological parasite. This tiny protozoan doesn’t look like much more than a blob, but once it makes its way to the brain, it can radically alter the behavior of hosts like rats, cats and, yes, even humans.

Do parasites control the minds of humans?

These bodily invaders control their hosts’ behavior, forcing them subtly into actions which will result in an opportunity for them to spread or reproduce. Here are ten parasites and pathogens which control the minds of humans.

How do microorganisms cross the blood-brain barrier?

Three mechanisms for microorganism transfer across the blood-brain barrier: A) transcellular route, B) paracellular route and C) infected phagocyte route (Trojan Horse). Microbes that cross the BBB through the transcellular method cross into the CNS through endothelial cells.

What are some of the creepiest parasites around?

Join us as we share tales of some of the creepiest parasites around — those that control the brains of their human hosts, sometimes leaving insanity and death in their wake. These are the tales of neurological parasites. Toxoplasma gondii tops the list as the most famous — and most controversial — neurological parasite.