By: Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues – Post -Doctor in Neurosciences , member of the Society for Neuroscience (SFN) and Sigma Xi, a scientific society that selects members with relevant contributions to the scientific field .
The Nipah virus (NiV) has emerged as a highly pathogenic infectious agent, with devastating potential for the human central nervous system. Scientific evidence points to its ability to invade the brain, triggering acute encephalitis and, in many cases, leading to death.
Neuroinvasions and Neurotropism:
NiV neuroinvasion occurs through complex mechanisms, in which the virus uses immune system cells as “Trojan horses” to cross the blood-brain barrier. Once in the brain parenchyma, the virus exhibits marked neurotropism, preferentially infecting neurons and glial cells, resulting in inflammation, neuronal damage and dysfunction of neural networks.
Neurological and Psychosocial Sequelae :
Despite recovery from the acute phase of infection, NiV can leave indelible marks on the nervous system. Survivors often report persistent cognitive deficits, such as memory impairment, attention difficulties, and slowed mental processing. Furthermore, neuropsychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, are commonly observed, impacting patients’ quality of life and social reintegration.
Heterogeneity of Clinical Manifestations :
It is important to highlight that the clinical manifestation of NiV infection is heterogeneous, ranging from asymptomatic conditions to fulminant encephalitis. The severity of the sequelae is also variable, being influenced by factors such as the virulence of the viral strain, the host’s immune response and the presence of comorbidities.
Challenges and Future Perspectives:
The absence of specific antiviral therapies and the high fatality rate associated with NiV highlight the urgent need for in-depth research into the pathogenesis of the disease and the development of effective therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, long-term multidisciplinary monitoring of survivors is essential for the management of neurological and psychosocial sequelae, aiming at rehabilitation and improving the quality of life of patients.
The Nipah virus represents an imminent global health risk, requiring joint efforts from the scientific community and health systems to develop effective preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic measures. Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms of NiV neuroinvasion and neurotropism is crucial for the development of new therapeutic approaches that can mitigate the devastating impact of this infection on the human nervous system.
Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues MRSB holds a post-PhD in Neuroscience and is an elected member of Sigma Xi – The Scientific Research Honor Society (more than 200 members of Sigma Xi have received the Nobel Prize), as well as being a member of the Society for Neuroscience in the United States, the Royal Society of Biology and The Royal Society of Medicine in the United Kingdom, the European Society of Human Genetics in Vienna, Austria, and the APA – American Philosophical Association in the United States. He holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in History and Biology. He is also a Technologist in Anthropology and Philosophy, with several national and international degrees in Neuroscience and Neuropsychology. Dr. Fabiano is a member of prestigious high IQ societies, including Mensa International, Intertel, ISPE High IQ Society, Triple Nine Society, ISI-Society, and HELLIQ Society High IQ. He is the author of more than 300 scientific studies and 30 books. He is currently a visiting professor at PUCRS in Brazil, UNIFRANZ in Bolivia and Santander in Mexico. He also serves as Director of CPAH – Centro de Pesquisa e Análises Heráclito and is the creator of the GIP project, which estimates IQ through the analysis of genetic intelligence. Dr. Fabiano is also a registered journalist, having his name included in the book of records for achieving four records, one of which is for being the greatest creator of characters in the history of the press.