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Viral infections of Toronto children during 1965. I. Enteroviral disease
Abstract:
Enteroviruses were isolated from feces and/or cerebrospinal fluid of 29 of 43 Toronto children who contracted aseptic meningitis, pleurodynia, abdominal pain or febrile upsets between June and October, 1965. Coxsackie A9 virus was the dominant agent in aseptic meningitis and Coxsackie B1 virus in pleurodynia and other syndromes. Sero-logical evidence of recent Coxsackie B1 and Echo 6 infection was obtained in two additional patients with aseptic meningitis who did not yield virus, and elevated Coxsackie B1 antibody titres were found in one patient with pericarditis. A newborn infant died with myocarditis due to Coxsackie B1 virus following infection of the mother during the immediate antenatal period. Paired sera collected only two to four days apart from patients with enteroviral syndromes or mumps meningoencephalitis frequently showed four-fold or greater increases of antibody levels.
Insights
Enteroviruses, including Coxsackie A9 and Coxsackie B1, were identified as key causes of aseptic meningitis and other illnesses in Toronto children during a 1965 outbreak. This study highlights the significant role of enteroviruses in pediatric infectious diseases.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Enteroviruses are a common cause of childhood illness, including aseptic meningitis and febrile syndromes.
- Understanding the specific enterovirus strains involved in outbreaks is crucial for public health management.
- Previous studies have indicated the potential for enteroviruses to cause severe complications in children and neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the enteroviruses responsible for aseptic meningitis and other febrile illnesses in Toronto children during the summer and fall of 1965.
- To investigate the clinical syndromes associated with specific enterovirus types.
- To assess the utility of serological testing in diagnosing enteroviral infections.
Main Methods:
- Viral isolation from fecal and cerebrospinal fluid samples.
- Serological testing for enterovirus antibodies (Coxsackie B1, Echo 6).
- Clinical case review and data analysis.
Main Results:
- Enteroviruses were isolated from 29 of 43 children with aseptic meningitis, pleurodynia, abdominal pain, or febrile illnesses.
- Coxsackie A9 virus was the predominant agent in aseptic meningitis cases.
- Coxsackie B1 virus was the dominant agent in pleurodynia and other syndromes, and was also implicated in myocarditis and pericarditis.
Conclusions:
- Coxsackie A9 and Coxsackie B1 viruses were the primary enteroviruses causing illness in Toronto children in 1965.
- Enteroviruses can cause a range of clinical manifestations, from mild febrile illness to severe conditions like meningitis, myocarditis, and pericarditis.
- Rapid serological changes in paired sera indicate recent enteroviral infection.