Viral Infections and Their Effects on the Central Nervous System (CNS), 2nd Edition

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to contribute an original research article to this Special Issue “Viral Infections and Their Effects on the Central Nervous System (CNS), 2nd Edition” in the journal Pathogens (ISSN 2076-0817; CODEN: PATHCD; https://www.mdpi.com/journal/pathogens).

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has revealed numerous unexpected complications and sequelae affecting both peripheral organ systems and the nervous system. People with chronic inflammatory diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1), may face a higher risk of developing new or worsening cardiovascular, metabolic, and cognitive problems. The intersection of SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1 is particularly important. In 2018, it was estimated that over 50% of people with HIV (PWH) in the U.S. were over 50 years of age. Age-related illnesses such as cardiovascular and kidney disease, obesity, and cancer are diagnosed in PWH at a younger age than in the general population. Age-related illnesses, smoking, substance use, or other comorbid conditions may exacerbate SARS-CoV-2 infection in PWH.  Scientists and clinicians continue to explore the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the nervous system and the potential contributions of chronic diseases such as HIV to the outcomes and disease trajectory.

Several nervous system disturbances have been seen with SARS-CoV-2 infection, including cerebrovascular disease, impaired consciousness, and skeletal muscular injury, among others, and were observed in over one-third of Wuhan patients. Here, in the U.S., CNS involvement, including stroke, is reported in approximately one-fourth of patients, including young adults. Peripheral nervous system disorders such as Guillain–Barré syndrome are also present.

For this Special Issue of Pathogens, we welcome original research articles addressing CNS complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in the context of HIV-1 or other chronic neuroinflammatory conditions. Submissions exploring mechanisms, clinical outcomes, or translational perspectives are especially encouraged.

We look forward to receiving your contribution for this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Rajnish S. Dave
Dr. Josué Pérez-Santiago
Dr. Dianne Langford
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pathogens is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• virus
• CNS
• COVID-19
• HIV-1
• neuroinflammation

• Viral Infections and Their Effects on the Central Nervous System (CNS) in Pathogens (13 articles)