Interventions for the Prevention and Treatment of Japanese Encephalitis.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Japanese encephalitis (JE), a clinical indication of JE virus-induced brain inflammation, is the most prevalent cause of viral encephalitis in the world. This review gives a comprehensive update on the epidemiology, clinical features, therapeutic trials and approaches for preventing the spread of JE. It also outlines the different JE vaccines used in various countries and recommendations for administration of JE vaccines.

Recent findings: According to the WHO, annual incidence of JE is estimated to be approximately 68,000 cases worldwide. It is widespread across Asia-Pacific, with a potential for worldwide transmission. In endemic locations, JE is believed to affect children below 6 years of age, but in newly affected areas, both adults and children are at risk due to a lack of protective antibodies. Various vaccines have been developed for the prevention of JE and are being administered in endemic countries.

Summary: JE is a neuroinvasive disease that causes symptoms ranging from simple fever to severe encephalitis and death. Despite a vast number of clinical trials on various drugs, there is still no complete cure available, and it can only be prevented by adequate vaccination. Various nanotechnological approaches for the prevention and treatment of JE are outlined in this review.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11908-022-00786-1.