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Myocarditis Outbreak among Adults, Illinois, 2003
Gregory D Huhn1, Cindy Gross, David Schnurr
1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia , USA. Gregory_Huhn@rush.edu
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|December 2, 2005
Summary
An outbreak of myocarditis in Illinois adults was investigated. Diagnostic tests for enterovirus and adenovirus in patient samples were inconclusive, indicating a need for improved diagnostic methods.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- An unexplained outbreak of myocarditis occurred in Illinois adults in 2003.
- Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle, potentially leading to serious cardiac complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of the 2003 myocarditis outbreak in Illinois.
- To evaluate diagnostic testing for enterovirus and adenovirus in affected patients.
Main Methods:
- Diagnostic testing of myocardial tissues from three patients.
- Comprehensive testing for enterovirus and adenovirus in other patient specimens.
Main Results:
- Diagnostic tests on myocardial tissues were inconclusive.
- Comprehensive enterovirus and adenovirus testing yielded inconclusive results.
Conclusions:
- Current diagnostic techniques were insufficient to identify the cause of the myocarditis outbreak.
- Improved specimen collection and enhanced diagnostic methods are necessary for future investigations of idiopathic cardiomyopathy and related outbreaks.