Concept:Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) is a rare, progressive, and fatal disorder caused by a persistent mutant measles virus that specifically attacks the central nervous system, particularly the brain.
Explanation:SSPE develops years after a primary measles infection, often in childhood, especially if infection occurred before age 2.
The virus remains dormant in neural tissues and later triggers widespread destruction of neurons and glial cells.
This leads to severe cerebral atrophy (brain shrinkage) and sclerosis (scarring) of brain tissue.
Symptoms start with behavioral changes and decline in school performance, then progress to myoclonic jerks, seizures, blindness, and eventually a vegetative state.
Diagnosis is confirmed by high measles antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid and characteristic EEG patterns (Radermecker complexes).
There is no cure; treatment is palliative or with antivirals like isoprinosine and interferon-alpha to slow progression.
Universal measles vaccination (MMR) is the only effective prevention.
Answer:Brain (Option B)