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Seroepidemiology of Human Enterovirus 71 Infection among Children, Cambodia
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|December 23, 2015
Insights
Enterovirus 71 (EV71) caused a deadly outbreak in Cambodia in 2012. However, serum samples reveal this virus was already widespread in the country for over a decade prior.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a significant human pathogen.
- EV71 outbreaks have been associated with severe neurological disease, particularly in children.
- Cambodia reported a severe EV71 outbreak in 2012, leading to numerous child fatalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the historical prevalence of Enterovirus 71 in Cambodia before the 2012 outbreak.
- To determine the timeline of EV71 circulation within the Cambodian population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of archived serum samples.
- Serological testing for EV71 antibodies in samples collected between 2000 and 2011.
Main Results:
- Evidence of widespread Enterovirus 71 circulation in Cambodia.
- The virus was endemic in the country for at least ten years preceding the 2012 epidemic.
- Serological data indicates a longer history of EV71 presence than previously recognized.
Conclusions:
- Enterovirus 71 had established a significant presence in Cambodia well before the recognized 2012 outbreak.
- The findings highlight the importance of long-term surveillance for emerging infectious diseases.
- Understanding historical viral circulation is crucial for predicting and managing future epidemics.
Abstract:
Enterovirus 71 is reported to have emerged in Cambodia in 2012; at least 54 children with severe encephalitis died during that outbreak. We used serum samples collected during 2000-2011 to show that the virus had been widespread in the country for at least a decade before the 2012 outbreak.
