Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 20, 2026

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
09:01

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Published on: December 10, 2013

Severe acute respiratory syndrome can be mild in children

Mike Yat Wah Kwan1, Wai Ming Chan, Po Wan Ko

  • 1Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong. kwanyw@netvigator.com

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|January 1, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in children can present mildly. This case shows spontaneous recovery, suggesting current diagnostic criteria may need adjustment for pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Virology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a significant global health concern.
  • Understanding SARS presentation in diverse populations, including children, is crucial for effective management.
  • Current diagnostic criteria are primarily based on adult presentations.

Observation:

  • A 13-year-old male presented with a mild clinical course of SARS.
  • No specific antiviral or supportive treatments were administered.
  • The patient experienced a complete and spontaneous recovery.

Findings:

  • Pediatric SARS can manifest as a mild, self-limiting illness.
  • The observed mildness contrasts with typical adult presentations.
  • The case highlights potential limitations of existing SARS case definitions in children.

Implications:

  • Existing World Health Organization/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention case definitions may require refinement for pediatric SARS diagnosis.
  • Further research is needed to characterize SARS epidemiology and clinical spectrum in children.
  • Recognizing mild pediatric SARS cases is important for accurate disease surveillance and control efforts.

Related Concept Videos

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Coronavirus01:29

Coronavirus

Coronaviruses, including the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), are enveloped viruses characterized by their single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome and helical nucleocapsid structure. The hallmark of these viruses is their club-shaped spike (S) glycoproteins that protrude from the viral envelope, facilitating attachment to host cells. Typically, coronaviruses infect the upper respiratory tract, often causing mild or asymptomatic disease. However, certain strains like...
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation01:17

Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation

In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV01:23

Acute Respiratory Failure-IV

Respiratory failure can manifest suddenly or gradually, characterized by a rapid decline in PaO2 and a rapid rise in PaCO2. This situation indicates a severe respiratory problem that may quickly become a life-threatening emergency. One of the early signs of hypoxemic Acute Respiratory Failure (ARF) is a change in mental status due to the brain's sensitivity to oxygen levels and changes in acid-base balance. Symptoms such as restlessness, confusion, and agitation suggest inadequate oxygen...
Common Respiratory Disorders01:31

Common Respiratory Disorders

Respiratory disorders, a prevalent health concern globally, are generally divided into two primary categories: upper and lower respiratory tract disorders. The categorization is based on the area of the respiratory system they affect.
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...
Acute Respiratory Failure-V01:29

Acute Respiratory Failure-V

The treatment for acute respiratory failure varies based on factors like the underlying cause, overall health, and severity. A collaborative healthcare team is essential for early detection, often through arterial blood gas analysis. Identifying the cause is the primary goal, with treatment strategies adjusted for ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch, shunting, or diffusion impairment.
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...