ABSTRACT
Encephalitis is a severe neurologic syndrome that can be caused by a wide variety of viruses and other infectious agents. Identification of the specific agent can be important for therapeutic management or may be of epidemiologic and/or public health importance, e.g., indicating the need for increased mosquito control activities. Bacteria, fungi, and protozoans are relatively uncommon causes of encephalitis; however, identification of these etiologic agents is also important because they are potentially treatable infections.
