Evaluation of cholinergic functions in patients with Japanese encephalitis and Herpes simplex encephalitis.

•Plasma AChE and M2 receptors are reduced in JE and HSE.•Plasma AChE and M2 receptors correlate with caudate involvement in JE.•Plasma AChE and M2 receptors correlate with cognitive impairment in HSE.•Plasma AChE and M2 receptors recover at one year, more in JE than HSE.