title: Infectious myelitis.
abstract: Infections are an uncommon but very important etiology of myelitis as a correct diagnosis would allow for timely treatment and recovery. The term "myelitis" is generally used to describe an inflammatory pathologic process affecting the spinal cord and causing an interruption of the ascending and descending pathways, and, therefore, partial or complete loss of function. The onset may be acute or subacute, and the etiology may be cumbersome to determine. This article will review the most recently published literature regarding the infectious agents causing myelitis with an emphasis on diagnosis and treatment.
authors.affiliation: VA Medical Center, 800 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA. Cornelia.Mihai@va.gov
authors.forename: Cornelia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mihai
authors.forename: Burk
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Jubelt
mesh_terms: D020806:Central Nervous System Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D020314:Central Nervous System Fungal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D020807:Central Nervous System Parasitic Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D020805:Central Nervous System Viral Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D009187:Myelitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology