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Vector Competence Analyses on Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes using Zika Virus
Published on: May 31, 2020
Kawasaki disease seasonality in Venezuela supports an arbovirus infection trigger
Alberto E Paniz-Mondolfi1,2, Tayler van den Akker1, Marilianna C Márquez-Colmenarez3
1Department of Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
Insights
Kawasaki disease (KD) outbreaks may be triggered by arboviruses, particularly in regions like Venezuela. Understanding this link between arboviruses and KD inflammation could improve diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Kawasaki disease (KD) is an inflammatory condition affecting young children with unknown causes.
- Seasonal patterns of KD outbreaks overlap with arboviral infection peaks, suggesting a potential link.
- High incidence of KD in Venezuela correlates with regions reporting significant arboviral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between arboviral infections and Kawasaki disease etiology.
- To explore the role of specific proinflammatory mediators in KD pathogenesis.
- To enhance understanding of KD triggers for improved clinical outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Observational studies analyzing temporal and geographical correlations between KD outbreaks and arboviral infections.
- Review of existing literature on the role of cytokines in vascular inflammation.
- Epidemiological analysis of disease incidence data from Venezuela.
Main Results:
- Significant overlap observed between KD outbreak seasonality and arboviral infection peaks.
- Regions with high arboviral infection rates exhibit higher KD incidence.
- Proinflammatory cytokines like IL-1, IL-6, TNF, and VEGF are implicated in coronary endothelial damage in KD.
Conclusions:
- Arboviruses are potential triggers for Kawasaki disease.
- Proinflammatory mediators play a crucial role in KD-associated coronary vasculitis.
- Understanding the arbovirus-KD connection can lead to better diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment strategies.
Abstract:
Kawasaki disease (KD) is an inflammatory disease primarily affecting infants and young children, whose etiology remains uncertain. Observational studies of the overlap between KD outbreaks and seasonal peaks of arboviral infections, suggest the possible role of these pathogens as triggers of KD. In Venezuela, regions with the highest reported arboviral infections simultaneously have the highest incidence of KD. One proposed explanation for this association involves the role of proinflammatory mediators, interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor as mediators of coronary endothelial damage. The promotion of inflammation and tissue destruction by these cytokines is thought to contribute to the coronary endothelial damage experienced in KD. The utilization of overlapping KD and arboviral infection trends contribute to the comprehension of KD etiology, with improvements in diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.
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