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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
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In Vivo Imaging Systems (IVIS) Detection of a Neuro-Invasive Encephalitic Virus
Published on: December 2, 2012
A fatal central nervous system enterovirus 68 infection
Justin D Kreuter1, Arti Barnes, James E McCarthy
1Department of Pathology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756, USA. justin.d.kreuter@hitchcock.org
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|June 3, 2011
Summary
Enterovirus 68, typically causing respiratory illness, was identified as the cause of fatal meningomyeloencephalitis in a child. This finding highlights the need to consider enterovirus 68 in severe neurological disease cases.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Poliovirus eradication efforts necessitate identifying alternative enteroviral threats to the central nervous system.
- Enterovirus 68 (EV-68) has historically been associated primarily with respiratory infections.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old boy presented with severe central nervous system disease.
- The patient's condition was fatal, requiring extensive diagnostic investigation.
Findings:
- Neuropathology, microbiology, and molecular techniques confirmed Enterovirus 68 as the causative agent of meningomyeloencephalitis.
- This case represents a rare and severe neurological manifestation of EV-68.
Implications:
- Enterovirus 68 should be considered in the differential diagnosis of severe, unexplained central nervous system infections.
- Further research is warranted to understand the neurotropic potential of EV-68 and its clinical spectrum.
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