Flavivirus Neurotropism, Neuroinvasion, Neurovirulence and Neurosusceptibility: Clues to Understanding Flavivirus- and Dengue-Induced Encephalitis

Viral infections of the nervous system (NS) can be caused by many types of viruses, including rhabdoviruses, alpha and beta herpes viruses, retroviruses, picornaviruses, arenaviruses and flaviviruses (van den Pol, 2006) The replication of these viruses can occur both in neurons and in non-neuronal cells and each type of cell responds differently (Griffin, 2003). The final result of these infections is the alteration of function of the nervous system.