Question

What is the cause of encephalitis?

1) Borrelia burgdorferi
2) Streptococcus pneumoniae
3) Escherichia coli
4) Influenza virus

Answer 1

Encephalitis is most commonly caused by viral infections, including arboviruses like eastern equine encephalitis, western equine encephalitis, and West Nile encephalitis, rather than the bacterial pathogens that cause bacterial meningitis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The cause of encephalitis can often be traced to viral infections, including various types of arboviruses, such as eastern equine encephalitis, western equine encephalitis, and West Nile encephalitis. Bacterial meningitis, while severe, is caused by different pathogens such as Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Encephalitis leads to brain swelling that can cause serious health concerns, including pushing the brain against the skull and potentially causing damage or death.