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Assays for the Specific Growth Rate and Cell-binding Ability of Rotavirus
Published on: January 28, 2019
[Rotavirus infections in neonates: not as innocent as expected]
Alja Bijlsma1, Marieke A C Hemels1, H L M van Straaten1
1Isala klinieken, Neonatale Intensive Care, Zwolle.
Insights
Neonatal rotavirus infection can cause encephalitis with convulsions, even without typical gastrointestinal symptoms. Early detection and prevention through hygiene and vaccination are crucial for reducing risks in newborns.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Neurology
Background:
- Rotavirus is a common cause of childhood gastroenteritis.
- Neonatal rotavirus infection can lead to encephalitis with convulsions.
- This presentation is often underdiagnosed due to atypical symptoms.
Observation:
- A premature neonate presented with convulsions and white matter abnormalities on MRI.
- The infant's sister had gastroenteritis symptoms.
- Rotavirus was identified in the infant's stool via PCR.
Findings:
- The neonate exhibited no gastrointestinal symptoms or cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities.
- Cerebral MRI revealed progressive white matter abnormalities.
- Molecular diagnostics confirmed rotavirus infection.
Implications:
- Neonatal rotavirus infection requires heightened clinical suspicion, especially with neurological symptoms.
- Hand hygiene and rotavirus vaccination are vital for prevention.
- Herd immunity can significantly decrease the risk of rotavirus in neonates.
Background:
Rotavirus is a common cause of gastroenteritis in children. It is much less known that rotavirus infections can lead to encephalitis with convulsions in neonates.
Case Description:
A premature boy (36 weeks + 5 days) developed neonatal convulsions 17 days post-partum. His sister had symptoms of gastroenteritis. Cerebral MRIs showed extensive white matter abnormalities in diffusion-weighted images and, a few weeks later, cystic white matter abnormalities. There were no gastrointestinal phenomena or pleocytosis in the cerebrospinal fluid. Rotavirus was detected in the stools, using molecular diagnostics (PCR).
Conclusion:
Rotavirus infection at a neonatal age can have serious consequences. Due to the absence of gastrointestinal phenomena, pleocytosis and demonstrability of rotavirus in faeces and not in CSF, this clinical picture has long remained undiagnosed. Instructions on hand hygiene during the post-partum period contributes to the prevention of rotavirus infection in neonates. Herd immunity through rotavirus vaccination for all neonates could lead to significant risk reduction.
