Pathogens of the human central nervous system-the major viral pathogens.

Numerous pathogen infections in the human central nervous system can initiate potentially fatal neurological inflammation, including encephalitis, meningitis, meningoencephalitis and myelitis. Several bacterial, viral, fungal and protozoan parasite pathogens can initiate such neurological disorders. Pathogens of the central nervous system can achieve this either by their original active infections, or by reactivated infections after a period of latency. The original infections can be transmitted between humans by aerosols, respiratory droplets, ingestion, or physical contact. Some pathogens can also be transmitted from mother-to-child. Or the pathogens can be transmitted to humans by non-human vectors, by means of bites from mosquitoes, ticks, flies, or other insects, or by bites, contact, ingestion or proximity involving various wild or domestic animals. In summary, several viral pathogens either in their original active state or during one of their reactivations after latency, are capable of infecting the human central nervous system and initiating the most severe and dangerous types of encephalitis, meningitis, meningoencephalitis and myelitis.