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Pediatric parechovirus infections

Susanna Esposito1, Janette Rahamat-Langendoen2, Beatrice Ascolese1

  • 1Pediatric Highly Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.

Journal of Clinical Virology : the Official Publication of the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology
|April 3, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Human parechoviruses (HPeVs) cause mild illnesses but can lead to severe pediatric diseases. Diagnostic tools and treatments are lacking, necessitating further research into these significant viral infections.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Human parechoviruses (HPeVs) are part of the Picornaviridae family, with 16 types identified.
  • HPeV types 1-8 are commonly linked to mild pediatric gastrointestinal or respiratory illnesses.
  • Severe manifestations include myocarditis, encephalitis, meningitis, and fatal neonatal infections, with HPeV3 posing a significant threat to infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the underestimation of HPeV involvement in severe pediatric diseases.
  • To emphasize the limitations in current diagnostic availability and antiviral therapies for HPeVs.
  • To underscore the need for further research into HPeV characteristics and treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays are the most sensitive detection method for HPeVs.
  • Detection is performed on various clinical samples including stools, respiratory swabs, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid.
  • Phylogenetic analysis of the VP1 encoding region is used for HPeV typing.

Main Results:

  • HPeVs are significantly underdiagnosed in clinical settings due to the lack of routine diagnostic assays.
  • While HPeV types 1, 2, and 4-8 typically cause mild symptoms, they can occasionally lead to severe conditions.
  • HPeV3 is particularly associated with severe neonatal and infant illnesses, including sepsis and central nervous system involvement.

Conclusions:

  • HPeVs represent a substantial, underestimated cause of severe pediatric infectious diseases.
  • Current diagnostic methods are not widely implemented, and effective antiviral treatments are unavailable.
  • Further research is crucial for understanding HPeV, developing diagnostic tools, and creating targeted therapies.

Keywords:
EncephalitisHuman parechovirusesMeningitisNeonatal sepsisPicornaviridaeRespiratory infection

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