People with severe cases of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) or Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) can develop significant brain inflammation, causing damage. An estimated 33% of people with severe EEE infection, and 1% of those with severe VEE, pass away. Right now, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for people with EEE or VEE. According to Medical XPress, a research team from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, in collaboration with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and University of Louisville, is working to overcome this through the development of BDGR-49.

BDGR-49 (quinazolinone) is brain-penetrant and has promising antiviral properties. In a study of mice models with VEE or EEE, the results of which were published in Science Translational Medicine, BDGR-49 was safe and well-tolerated. It conferred protection against EEE infection in mice models without the virus. In mice models with EEE infection, BDGR-49 also prevented progression to more serious disease; this was also seen in mice models of VEE. The therapy works by stopping viral replication.

More preclinical research is done on BDGR-49 and how exactly it works. In the future, researchers hope to better understand how BDGR-49 could be used in humans to prevent the infection of these potentially harmful viral illnesses.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE): An Overview

Spread by the bites of infected mosquitoes, Eastern equine encephalitis is a rare viral condition caused by arboviruses. It is most commonly found in Gulf or Eastern states. Most cases of EEE occur in late spring to early fall. While EEE often affects birds or horses, humans are not typically infected.  Most humans who are infected are asymptomatic (without symptoms). You are at risk of a more severe reaction if you are younger than 15, older than 60, or immunocompromised.

Symptoms of EEE tend to appear within 4-10 days of infection. These may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• High fever and chills
• Muscle and joint pain and weakness
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Changes in mood or behavior
• Seizures
• Coma

Treatment focuses on reducing or relieving symptoms.