Echovirus 7 infection and necrotizing enterocolitis-like symptoms in a premature infant

Echovirus type 7 has been previously recognized as a virulent serotype in the premature neonate. However, reports of fatal disseminated infections have often been perinatally acquired from symptomatic mothers at the time of delivery. Nosocomial outbreaks in full-term and premature infants have been reported from newborn intensive care units; however, deaths attributed to Echovirus 7 in convalescing prematures are rare in the literature. We report the case of a growing premature neonate presenting with an overwhelming sepsis-like syndrome, including symptoms consistent with necrotizing enterocolitis. Despite intensive supportive care including ventilatory support, cardiovascular pharmacotherapy, and blood product administration, the infant succumbed to overwhelming Echovirus 7 infection.