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An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published on: December 10, 2013
Adenovirus type 21 bronchopneumonia in infants and young children
Insights
Adenovirus type 21 caused a severe bronchopneumonia epidemic in young children in 1977. Many children experienced long-term lung issues, highlighting the illness
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- An epidemic of bronchopneumonia occurred in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1977.
- Adenovirus type 21 was identified as the causative agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical presentation and outcomes of adenovirus type 21 bronchopneumonia in infants and young children.
- To assess the long-term pulmonary sequelae.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of 18 children diagnosed with bronchopneumonia.
- Clinical and radiological assessment at diagnosis and 6-12 months follow-up.
Main Results:
- Eighteen children aged 4-44 months were affected.
- While no deaths occurred, 13 children showed radiologic signs of residual disease at follow-up.
- Six children had persistent clinical signs of pulmonary disease.
Conclusions:
- Adenovirus type 21 causes serious bronchopneumonia in young children.
- The infection is a significant cause of chronic lung disease in this age group.
- Long-term pulmonary sequelae are common.
Abstract:
An epidemic of bronchopneumonia in infants and young children, with adenovirus type 21 infection, was observed in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1977. Eighteen children, four to 44 months of age, with clinical and radiologic evidence of bronchopneumonia are described. Several of the children were seriously ill but there were no deaths. When reviewed six to 12 months after diagnosis, six children had clinical signs and 13 had radiologic signs of residual pulmonary disease. There were no detectable pulmonary sequelae in two children. Three children were lost to follow-up and could not be evaluated. Adenovirus type 21 bronchopneumonia is a serious illness and an important cause of chronic bronchopneumopathy in infants and young children.
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