[Aseptic meningitis season caused by enteroviruses in 2007: molecular-epidemiological aspects]

Zhurnal Mikrobiologii, Epidemiologii I Immunobiologii
|May 23, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Aseptic meningitis (AM) cases surged in Nizhny Novgorod due to enterovirus E30. Molecular analysis revealed this E30 strain was linked to European variants, suggesting a potential transmission pathway.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Epidemiology
  • Molecular Biology

Context:

  • Aseptic meningitis (AM) is a significant public health concern, often caused by enteroviruses.
  • Understanding the drivers of AM outbreaks is crucial for effective public health interventions.
  • Nizhny Novgorod experienced a notable increase in AM cases between 2001 and 2007.

Purpose:

  • To analyze the epidemic patterns of aseptic meningitis in Nizhny Novgorod.
  • To identify the causative agents and their molecular characteristics during the outbreak.
  • To investigate the potential sources and transmission routes of enteroviruses responsible for AM.

Summary:

  • Enteroviruses were identified as the primary cause of a marked rise in aseptic meningitis (AM) in Nizhny Novgorod from 2001 to 2007.
  • During a peak in August-October 2007, enteroviruses were detected in 93.8% of AM patients, with serotype E30 being the dominant strain (53.1%).
  • The dominant E30 subtype (E30-N1) showed genetic similarity to European strains, while another subtype (E30-N2) was related to Asian strains. Viral RNA in nasopharyngeal swabs suggests aspiration as a transmission route.

Impact:

  • Identified a specific enterovirus variant (E30) as the cause of the 2007 AM outbreak.
  • Provided insights into the genetic relatedness of the causative agent to international strains, aiding in understanding viral evolution and spread.
  • Highlighted the role of nasopharyngeal shedding in the rapid transmission of enteroviruses causing AM.

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...
Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
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...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...