SSPE VIRUS Meaning and
Definition
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SSPE virus, also known as subacute sclerosing panencephalitis virus, is a rare and late complication of measles infection caused by a persistent infection of the brain with the measles virus. SSPE mainly affects children and young adults who have had measles, typically occurring years after the initial infection. It is considered a progressive and fatal disease, characterized by inflammation, degeneration, and hardening (sclerosis) of the tissues within the brain.
The SSPE virus is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory secretions from an infected person. Once inside the body, the measles virus initially causes an acute infection, but in some individuals, it may persist in the brain for many years without causing obvious symptoms. Over time, the virus can disrupt normal brain function and cause a wide range of neurological symptoms, including personality changes, memory loss, cognitive decline, seizures, muscle stiffness, and involuntary jerking movements.
There is no known cure for SSPE, and treatment options are limited to supportive care aimed at managing symptoms and improving quality of life. The disease is typically progressive, often leading to severe disability and ultimately death within few years of symptom onset.
Due to the availability of measles vaccines, the incidence of SSPE has significantly decreased in countries with high vaccination coverage. Vaccination against measles is therefore considered the most effective preventive measure against SSPE virus infection.
Common Misspellings for SSPE VIRUS
- aspe virus
- zspe virus
- xspe virus
- dspe virus
- espe virus
- wspe virus
- sape virus
- szpe virus
- sxpe virus
- sdpe virus
- sepe virus
- swpe virus
- ssoe virus
- ssle virus
- ss-e virus
- ss0e virus
- sspw virus
- ssps virus
- sspd virus
- sspr virus
Etymology of SSPE VIRUS
The term "SSPE" stands for Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis. It is not a virus itself but an acronym for a rare, chronic, and progressive neurological disorder that affects the brain and central nervous system. The etymology of this term can be broken down as follows:1. Subacute: Sub- is a prefix derived from Latin, meaning "below" or "under". Acute, on the other hand, comes from the Latin word "acutus", meaning "sharp" or "severe". In medical terminology, subacute refers to a condition that is less severe or has a slower progression compared to an acute condition.2. Sclerosing: This term is derived from the Greek word "sklērōsis" meaning "hardening" or "stiffening". In the context of SSPE, it refers to the progressive hardening and scarring of brain tissue.
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