Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 17, 2026

A Model for Epilepsy of Infectious Etiology using Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus
05:33

A Model for Epilepsy of Infectious Etiology using Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus

Published on: June 23, 2022

Relationship between five common viruses and febrile seizure in children

Brian Chung1, Virginia Wong

  • 1Division of Neurodevelopmental Paediatrics, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|February 8, 2007
PubMed

Insights

The risk of febrile seizures (FS) is similar for influenza, adenovirus, and parainfluenza infections, but higher than for RSV or rotavirus. Viral type does not predict complex FS features or recurrence in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Febrile seizures (FS) are common in children.
  • Identifying the role of specific viral infections in FS is crucial for understanding disease etiology and recurrence.
  • Previous studies have suggested associations between various viruses and FS, but comparative risk data is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the relative risk (RR) of developing febrile seizures (FS) associated with common viral infections.
  • To investigate the risk factors for FS recurrence following different viral etiologies.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study matched medical records of children admitted with FS to records of febrile illnesses caused by influenza, adenovirus, parainfluenza, RSV, and rotavirus.
  • Relative risk (RR) of FS following these viral infections was calculated.
  • Multivariate analysis identified risk factors for recurrence in first-time FS patients.

Main Results:

  • Influenza, adenovirus, and parainfluenza showed similar, higher incidences of FS compared to RSV and rotavirus.
  • The risk of developing complex FS was consistent across the five studied viruses.
  • The overall FS recurrence rate was 20.5%, not predicted by the type of viral infection.

Conclusions:

  • Influenza, adenovirus, and parainfluenza present a similar risk for febrile seizures.
  • RSV and rotavirus are associated with a lower risk of febrile seizures.
  • The specific viral agent does not influence the likelihood of complex FS features or future seizure recurrence.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Intracerebroventricular and Intravascular Injection of Viral Particles and Fluorescent Microbeads into the Neonatal Brain05:51

Intracerebroventricular and Intravascular Injection of Viral Particles and Fluorescent Microbeads into the Neonatal Brain

Published on: July 24, 2016

A Behavioral Screen for Heat-Induced Seizures in Mouse Models of Epilepsy06:58

A Behavioral Screen for Heat-Induced Seizures in Mouse Models of Epilepsy

Published on: July 12, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Increased Body Temperature01:25

Increased Body Temperature

A body temperature above  38°C  (100.4 °F) is known as fever or pyrexia, and a person with fever is termed 'febrile.' Typically, the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that acts as the body's thermostat, regulates body temperature through a thermoregulatory setpoint. It receives signals from cold and warm thermal receptors throughout the body and adjusts the body's temperature accordingly. Fever occurs when this hypothalamic setpoint is altered, usually in response to an infection or illness.
Seizures: Classification01:13

Seizures: Classification

Epilepsy is primarily characterized by unpredictable seizures, either provoked by an identifiable factor, such as injury or illness, or unprovoked, occurring spontaneously without apparent cause.
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction01:28

Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...