Neurotropic enterovirus
Extremely rare in developed world, targeted for global eradication by WHO
Still endemic in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Nigeria
Fecal-oral transmission, virus enters through GI tract then reproduces in GI lymphoid tissues
If virus reaches critical concentration, can spread to motor nuclei of spinal cord, brainstem, and reticular formation → loss of infected neurons→ cycle of muscle denervation/reinnervation→ loss of muscle function
Poliomyelitis
Japanese encephalitis
Pertussis
Rabies
Dengue
Viral hemorrhagic fevers
Leptospirosis
CMV neurologic disease