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Cytopathic effects of measles virus on the human intestinal mucosa
P Jirapinyo1, K Thakerngpol, K Chaichanwatanakul
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Abstract:
We reported a case of measles with diarrhea in an infant. Capsule biopsy samples of intestinal mucosa taken 14 days after onset of fever was damaged and had low disaccharidase activities. Virus particles were found in the damaged villous cell. Second intestinal mucosa biopsy samples taken 28 days after onset of fever was found to be normal in structure, but lactase and sucrase activities were still low. Mucosal damage by virus particles was the cause of diarrhea in our infant.
Insights
Measles virus can cause intestinal damage, leading to infant diarrhea. While intestinal structure recovers, enzyme activity remains low, impacting nutrient absorption.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Virology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Diarrhea is a common symptom in infants, with various potential causes.
- Measles, a viral illness, can present with gastrointestinal complications.
Observation:
- A case study of an infant with measles and diarrhea was investigated.
- Intestinal mucosa biopsies were analyzed at 14 and 28 days post-fever onset.
Findings:
- Early biopsy (14 days) showed damaged villous cells with measles virus particles and low disaccharidase activities.
- Later biopsy (28 days) revealed normal intestinal structure but persistent low lactase and sucrase activities.
Implications:
- Direct viral damage to the intestinal villi is identified as the cause of diarrhea in this measles case.
- Persistent enzyme deficiencies post-infection highlight potential long-term nutritional challenges in infants recovering from measles.