Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis

LCM is an acute Arenavirus infection; clinical spectrum ranges from asymptomatic to flu-like (acute fever/headache/myalgia) to typical lymphocytic meningitis, rarely meningoencephalitis. Usually self-limited with good prognosis.

Common Symptoms

Nausea/vomiting; lymphadenopathy; back pain; myalgia; sore throat; somnolence; diarrhea; delirium; meningeal signs; meningitis

Causes and Pathogenesis

(1) Etiology: LCMV (Arenavirus) discovered 1934 in a St. Louis encephalitis case, then in 2 viral meningitis cases. 40-60 nm, ether/labile pH<7-sensitive, killed 56°C/1 h; stable in 50% glycerol/-70°C; grows in chick embryo/mouse fibroblasts; infects mice/guinea pigs/dogs/monkeys. Humans develop antibodies: IF 1-6 days after symptoms; CFT 2-3 weeks; neutralizing at ~2 months (years). (2) Pathogenesis: rarely fatal; brain swelling, thickened arachnoid, lymphocyte/monocyte infiltrates, capillary hemorrhages/necrosis, perivascular infiltrates, focal lymphoid nodules; atypical deaths may show only lung/liver/kidney/adrenal lesions.

Treatment

Drug therapy, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

No human-to-human transmission—no patient isolation needed; lab/animal facilities must prevent outbreaks.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Neurology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.