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Fatal gastroenteritis associated with coronaviruslike particles
American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960)
|March 1, 1985
Insights
Human enteric coronaviruses are investigated for their role in infant gastroenteritis. Evidence suggests these viruses replicate in the small intestine, supporting their causative role in severe enteritis.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- The role of human enteric coronaviruses (HEcvs) in infantile gastroenteritis remains debated.
- Previous studies have yielded inconclusive evidence regarding HECv pathogenicity in infants.
Observation:
- Coronavirus-like particles were identified in the intestinal contents of a 15-month-old infant with severe enteritis.
- These particles were also found within the epithelial cells of the infant's ileum.
Findings:
- Ultrastructural analysis revealed evidence of coronavirus replication within the small intestine.
- The presence and replication of viral particles strongly suggest a causative link to the observed gastroenteritis.
Implications:
- This study provides crucial evidence supporting the role of human enteric coronaviruses in infantile gastroenteritis.
- Findings may influence diagnostic approaches and public health strategies for managing pediatric enteric infections.
Abstract:
The role of human enteric coronaviruses in infantile gastroenteritis is controversial. We detected coronaviruslike particles in the intestinal contents and within the epithelial cells of the ileum in a 15-month-old infant who had postmortem evidence of severe enteritis. Ultrastructural findings consistent with in vivo coronavirus replication in the human small intestine support a causative role for this agent in gastroenteritis.