A rapidly progressing loss of normal cognitive function may be caused by infection with which of the following?
A) Creutzfeldt-Jakob virus
B) Human immunodeficiency virus infection
C) Herpes simplex encephalitis
D) Rhabdovirus

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rhabdovirus is the cause of rabies. It causes encephalitis, and usually death, typically with a few weeks. Herpes simplex virus infection involving the brain can cause encephalitis, with stupor, coma, seizures, and occasionally death. HIV infection causes a progressive deterioration in cognitive function that may take several years to develop. Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease-a prion disease similar to the causative agent of mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy), kuru, and chronic wasting disease-causes a dementia that often progresses to death within a few months. By contrast, Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia typically develop over about a decade.

A Rapidly Progressing Loss of Normal Cognitive Function May Be