​Infectious Diseases and Microbiology - Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (lymphcytic Choriomeningitis Virus)

​Infectious Diseases and Microbiology - Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (lymphcytic Choriomeningitis Virus) 

The LCM virus (LCMV), a member of the arenavirus family, is the cause of LCM, a viral zoonosis. Aerosol inhalation, eating contaminated food, or coming into contact with the secretions or excretions of infected rats are the three main ways that LCMV is spread. Except for rare cases of organ transplantation from an LCMV-infected donor and vertical transmission from an infected mother to fetus, person-to-person transmission has not been documented. The typical infection reservoirs are house mice or pet hamsters. The global dissemination of LCMV is accompanied by a low case fatality rate (<1%).

Asymptomatic infections with LCMV predominate. Malaise, headache, myalgia, fever, and other influenza-like symptoms can be signs of symptomatic infections. In a small percentage of cases, LCMV results in aseptic meningitis, which is characterized by fever, headache, and stiff neck. The majority of patients fully recover. Weakness, despair, and trouble concentrating are examples of CNS problems that might last for weeks.
Congenital hydrocephalus, chorioretinitis, spontaneous miscarriage, and mental retardation have all been linked to infections contracted during pregnancy.

After entering the body through skin abrasions, ingestion, or aerosol inhalation, LCMV replicates in lymph nodes before causing viremia. The virus propagates throughout the body by replicating in macrophages. Meningitis tissue damage is associated with cytokine release and cytotoxic T-cell-induced immunopathology.
Normal diagnosis involves serologic testing for virus-specific IgM or IgG.

For LCMV infection, there isn't a specific medication or vaccination available. Prevention requires effective rodent control.