Arboviral infections of the central nervous system: Mechanisms of invasion and long-term consequences

Abstract

Arboviruses are a diverse group of vector-borne viruses that cause significant global morbidity and mortality. Beyond classical systemic and febrile symptoms, many arboviruses can induce a spectrum of neurological complications, ranging from mild encephalopathy to severe neuroinvasive disease. This review summarizes current knowledge on major arboviruses from the Flaviviridae, Togaviridae, Peribunyaviridae, and Reoviridae families, emphasizing mechanisms of CNS invasion, neurological manifestations, and relevant case studies or outbreaks. Mechanisms of central nervous system (CNS) invasion are highlighted, including direct viral neurotropism, blood–brain barrier crossing such as Trojan horse–mediated leukocyte trafficking and immune-mediated neuropathology. Clinical syndromes, including encephalitis, myelitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and movement disorders, are discussed alongside relevant case studies and outbreak reports. This review provides an integrated perspective on arbovirus-induced neurological disease for clinicians, researchers, and public health professionals.