Foreward by Susan Yeager

There is a growing threat of encephalitis within the United States. In particular the threat of the New H1N1 influenzas jumping into humans. The clinical director of the NINDS, Avi Nath, is in need of Neurocritical Care unit expert advice and possibly collaboration regarding the creation of a clinical repository surrounding this issue. If you are interested in participating/learning more, please find details in the letter below.

March 6, 2025

Dear Colleagues,

As you know there has been an emergence of new pathogens and reemergence or others many of which may cause encephalomyelitis. This includes influenza associated encephalopathy in children, potential encephalitis due to H5N1, reemergence of measles and polio. In addition, there are several other circulating pathogens that may result in encephalitis. Many cases of encephalitis remain undiagnosed for long periods of time. At the National Institutes of Health, we have developed a research protocol for undiagnosed neuroimmune disorders that would include cases of undiagnosed encephalitis. We have a team of investigators that can provide inpatient care including ICU level care and assist with diagnosis using state-of-the-art techniques for sequencing and immunophenotyping. Depending on the diagnosis, various modes of therapeutic intervention could be considered. As needed molecular pathogenesis of tissues can also be done. We may also be able to provide remote consultation and in some circumstances sample storage and analysis for patients that meet our protocol inclusion criteria. If you are interested in referring patients or collaborating with us, please feel free to reach out at nindsinfections@ninds.nih.gov

Sincerely

,

Avindra Nath, M.D.

Chief, Section of Infections of the Nervous System

Clinical Director, NINDS NIH