Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 2, 2026

Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model
07:26

Intracranial Subarachnoidal Route of Infection for Investigating Roles of Streptococcus suis Biofilms in Meningitis in a Mouse Infection Model

Published on: July 1, 2018

Clinical observations and virological study of aseptic meningitis in the Kaohsiung area

S C Mak1, J E Jeng, Y J Jong

  • 1Department of Pediatrics and Clinical Laboratory, Kaohsiung Medical College, Taiwan, R.O.C.

Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan Yi Zhi
|October 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

An aseptic meningitis outbreak in Kaohsiung was caused by echoviruses and adenovirus. Most pediatric patients recovered fully, highlighting the importance of viral surveillance in infectious disease outbreaks.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • An endemic outbreak of aseptic meningitis occurred in the Kaohsiung area during 1988.
  • Eighty-nine pediatric cases were identified through cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiology and causative agents of an aseptic meningitis outbreak in pediatric patients.
  • To identify the predominant viral pathogens responsible for the outbreak.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 89 pediatric aseptic meningitis cases.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis including cell counts, protein, and glucose levels.
  • Virus isolation from CSF, throat, and rectal swabs in 65 patients.

Main Results:

  • The outbreak peaked from June to October, affecting children aged 1 month to 15 years, with peaks in infancy and 4-7 year olds.
  • Common symptoms included fever, headache, and vomiting. CSF analysis typically showed less than 1000 WBC/mm3.
  • Echovirus type 9 and echovirus type 30 were identified as the primary causative agents, with adenovirus type 3 also detected. Echovirus type 9 predominated earlier in the outbreak, followed by echovirus type 30.

Conclusions:

  • Echoviruses were the main cause of the 1988 Kaohsiung aseptic meningitis outbreak.
  • All identified patients experienced spontaneous recovery without sequelae.
  • The study underscores the significance of viral etiology in pediatric meningitis outbreaks and the need for ongoing surveillance.

More Related Videos

A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease04:23

A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease

Published on: April 28, 2019

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery10:03

Inducing Meningococcal Meningitis Serogroup C in Mice via Intracisternal Delivery

Published on: November 5, 2019

Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
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 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...