Echovirus 11 sepsis in a neonate: report of one case

Chien-Chou Hsiao1, Lon-Yen Tsao, Hsiao-Neng Chen

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Changhua Christian Hospital, No. 135, Nan-Siau Street, Changhua 500, Taiwan.

Acta Paediatrica Taiwanica = Taiwan Er Ke Yi Xue Hui Za Zhi
|July 9, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Neonatal enterovirus infections, particularly echovirus 11, pose severe risks. This case highlights a fatal outcome in Taiwan due to sepsis-like illness and organ failure despite intensive care.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal infectious diseases
  • Virology
  • Pediatric critical care

Background:

  • Nonpolio enteroviruses are a significant cause of severe illness in neonates.
  • Echoviruses and group B coxsackieviruses are the most common culprits in neonatal enterovirus infections.

Observation:

  • A case of echovirus 11 infection in a newborn, linked to maternal infection, is presented.
  • This represents the first reported fatal case of neonatal enterovirus infection in Taiwan.

Findings:

  • The neonate developed severe sepsis-like illness, fulminant hepatitis, and disseminated intravascular coagulation.
  • Extensive hemorrhagic manifestations were observed despite comprehensive medical interventions.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the critical severity of echovirus 11 infections in neonates.
  • Highlights the need for heightened awareness and prompt management of enteroviral infections in newborns.
  • Emphasizes the potential for fatal outcomes even with intensive care support.

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