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Type A2 influenza viral infections in children
Insights
Influenza A2 in young children can cause diverse symptoms, including respiratory issues and neurological problems like seizures. This study highlights the broad clinical spectrum of this viral infection in infants and early childhood.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Influenza A2 is a significant respiratory pathogen affecting all age groups.
- Understanding the specific clinical manifestations in young children is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the spectrum of clinical illness associated with Influenza A2 infection in hospitalized young children.
- To identify common and severe manifestations in this pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 83 hospitalized children diagnosed with Influenza A2.
- Analysis of clinical signs, symptoms, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- High prevalence of fever (91%), gastrointestinal symptoms (49%), and respiratory conditions like pneumonitis (29%) and otitis media (24%).
- Neuromuscular manifestations (19%) including seizures and apnea were observed, with some cases showing cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis.
- Infants under 3 months presented with less fever and more gastrointestinal issues compared to older children.
Conclusions:
- Influenza A2 infection in young children presents with a wide array of respiratory and neurological findings.
- The virus can lead to severe outcomes, including progressive pneumonitis and mortality, particularly in the youngest infants.
Abstract:
We retrospectively reviewed the manifestations of influenza A2 in 83 hospitalized young children. Our purpose was to define the spectrum of clinical illness in this age group. Findings included fever (91%), vomiting or diarrhea (49%), pharyngitis (34%), pneumonitis (29%), otitis media (24%), conjunctivitis (13%), croup (13%), and bronchiolitis (6%). Neuromuscular manifestations occurred in 16 patients (19%) and included seizures, apnea, opisthotonos, and myositis. Three children had cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis. Children younger than 3 months of age had fever less often and gastrointestinal symptoms more often than older children. Threee children died of progressive pneumonitis. We conclude that influenza A2 may cause a wide range of respiratory and neurologic findings in infancy and early childhood.