Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 3, 2026

Protocols for Investigating the Host-tissue Distribution, Transmission-mode, and Effect on the Host Fitness of a Densovirus in the Cotton Bollworm
11:12

Protocols for Investigating the Host-tissue Distribution, Transmission-mode, and Effect on the Host Fitness of a Densovirus in the Cotton Bollworm

Published on: April 12, 2017

7.6K

Asymptomatic viral gastrointestinal infection: the missing link?

Tyler Robert Peikes1, Juan Pablo Appendino

  • 1University of Manitoba Faculty of Medicine, Section of Genetics and Metabolism, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada;

Pediatrics
|February 4, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Benign infantile seizures associated with mild gastroenteritis (BISMG) can manifest solely as seizures, even without gastrointestinal symptoms. This condition may present as apparent life-threatening events in infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Neurology
  • Infectious Disease

Background:

  • Infantile seizures can present with varied etiologies.
  • Apparent life-threatening events (ALTEs) require thorough investigation.
  • Benign infantile seizures associated with mild gastroenteritis (BISMG) is a recognized, though less common, cause of seizures.

Observation:

  • An 8-month-old boy experienced recurrent apneic episodes and seizures.
  • Standard investigations including EEG and MRI were unremarkable.
  • Stool virology identified a small round virus, leading to a diagnosis of BISMG despite absent GI symptoms.

Findings:

  • The patient's seizures resolved after phenobarbital administration.
  • The clinical presentation mimicked typical BISMG, suggesting a viral etiology.
  • Atypical presentation of BISMG without gastrointestinal symptoms was observed.

Implications:

  • BISMG may present solely with seizures, without overt gastrointestinal manifestations.
  • BISMG should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ALTEs in infants.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering viral gastroenteritis as a cause of neurological symptoms in infants.

Keywords:
ALTEBISMGgastroenteritisseizurevirus

More Related Videos

Quantifying Human Norovirus Virus-like Particles Binding to Commensal Bacteria Using Flow Cytometry07:02

Quantifying Human Norovirus Virus-like Particles Binding to Commensal Bacteria Using Flow Cytometry

Published on: April 29, 2020

7.6K
Dissecting Host-virus Interaction in Lytic Replication of a Model Herpesvirus11:28

Dissecting Host-virus Interaction in Lytic Replication of a Model Herpesvirus

Published on: October 7, 2011

10.4K

Related Concept Videos

Human Virome01:26

Human Virome

The human body harbors a vast and diverse viral community known as the human virome. The virome includes bacteriophages that infect bacteria, and eukaryotic viruses that infect human cells. Transient dietary and environmental viruses also contribute to this dynamic ecosystem. Estimates suggest the human body may contain on the order of 10¹³ viral particles, though abundance varies widely by body site and detection method.Comprehensive characterization of the virome has become possible...
47
Viral Recombination00:57

Viral Recombination

Cells are sometimes infected by more than one virus at once. When two viruses disassemble to expose their genomes for replication in the same cell, similar regions of their genomes can pair together and exchange sequences in a process called recombination. Alternatively, viruses with segmented genomes can swap segments in a process called reassortment.
22.3K
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction01:28

Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion...
25
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...
88
Gastritis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Gastritis II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of gastritis begins with the colonization of the stomach lining by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This bacterium spreads mainly via the oral-oral route through saliva or shared utensils, and can also be transmitted in overcrowded or unhygienic environments through contaminated water, despite its brief survival outside the body.ColonizationOnce ingested, H. pylori enters the stomach and begins colonization by navigating through the mucus layer lining the stomach wall. It...
52
Viruses of Archaea01:29

Viruses of Archaea

Archaeal viruses play a crucial role in the ecosystems of extremophilic archaea, particularly those belonging to the phyla Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. By shaping host evolution and facilitating gene transfer, these viruses influence microbial communities and contribute to genetic diversity in extreme environments. The archaea they infect thrive in acidic hot springs and hydrothermal vents characterized by high temperatures and low pH. Archaeal viruses exhibit remarkable structural...
704