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Rapid Molecular Detection and Differentiation of Influenza Viruses A and B
05:38

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Published on: January 30, 2017

Influenza B virus associated pneumonia: report of one case

Kun-Chia Lu1, Po-Yen Chen, Fang-Liang Huang

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Taichung Cheng Ching Hospital, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.

Acta Paediatrica Taiwanica = Taiwan Er Ke Yi Xue Hui Za Zhi
|December 31, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Influenza B virus can cause severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in children. This rare complication can also lead to temporary liver dysfunction, highlighting the importance of considering influenza in pediatric respiratory illness.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric critical care medicine
  • Infectious diseases
  • Viral respiratory infections

Background:

  • Influenza virus is a common cause of pediatric pneumonia.
  • Influenza virus pneumonia complicated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is rare and carries a high mortality rate.
  • Hepatic involvement in influenza virus infection is infrequently reported.

Observation:

  • A 7-year-old girl presented with symptoms initially suggestive of an upper respiratory tract infection.
  • Her condition rapidly deteriorated to lobar pneumonia with ARDS and impaired liver function within 7 days.
  • Influenza B virus infection was confirmed through viral culture and serological testing.

Findings:

  • Influenza B virus was identified as the causative agent in a pediatric case of severe pneumonia with ARDS.
  • The patient experienced transient liver function impairment alongside respiratory complications.
  • Diagnostic indicators included persistent leukopenia, low C-reactive protein (CRP) values, negative bacterial cultures, and poor response to antibiotics.

Implications:

  • This case underscores that Influenza B virus can be an etiology of pneumonia and ARDS in children.
  • Transient liver dysfunction should be recognized as a potential hepatic manifestation of influenza B virus infection.
  • Early consideration of viral etiologies, including influenza, is crucial for pediatric pneumonia management, especially with specific laboratory findings.

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