Abstract

Neurovirology, a discipline at the intersection of virology and neuroscience, delves into the complex interactions between viruses and the nervous system. This field has grown exponentially in recent decades, driven by advances in technology and a deeper understanding of viral pathogenesis. Viruses, traditionally perceived as agents of respiratory or gastrointestinal diseases, can also profoundly affect the brain and spinal cord, leading to a spectrum of neurological disorders. This article explores the mechanisms, implications, and current research in neurovirology. Viruses capable of infecting the nervous system belong to diverse families, including herpesviruses (e.g., herpes simplex virus), retroviruses (e.g., HIV), flaviviruses (e.g., Zika virus), and others. These viruses can invade the nervous tissue through various routes, such as hematogenous spread, neuronal retrograde transport, or direct infection following peripheral nerve invasion.