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Published on: March 17, 2016
Fatal infection with echovirus 11
Insights
Echo 11 virus infections pose a significant danger to neonates, particularly those lacking maternal antibodies. This study details 24 fatal pediatric cases, highlighting distinct clinical presentations and outcomes based on age.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Virology
- Neonatal Pathology
Background:
- Echovirus 11 (EV-B11) is a known human enterovirus.
- Fatal infections in children are rare but can be severe.
- Understanding EV-B11 pathogenesis is crucial for neonatal and pediatric health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze fatal Echovirus 11 infections in children over an 11-year period.
- To characterize clinical and pathological findings in different age groups.
- To identify risk factors associated with severe outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 24 fatal pediatric cases of Echovirus 11 infection (1968-1978).
- Clinical data review including age at death and presenting symptoms.
- Necropsy findings including histopathology and viral detection in tissues.
Main Results:
- Two distinct groups emerged: 12 neonates (5-11 days old) with disseminated intravascular coagulation and hemorrhage, and 12 older children (9 weeks-4.8 years) with varied pathologies including pneumonia and encephalitis.
- Neonatal deaths were linked to maternal transmission, low maternal antibodies, and prematurity.
- The role of EV-B11 in sudden deaths of older children, including 'cot deaths', remains uncertain.
Conclusions:
- Echovirus 11 presents a severe threat to neonates, especially those without maternal antibody protection.
- Clinical presentation and outcomes vary significantly with age.
- Further research is needed to elucidate EV-B11's role in sudden infant deaths.
Abstract:
Twenty-four fatal cases of echo 11 infection in the eleven years 1968-78 are presented. All were children, and could be divided into two groups according to age at death and clinical presentation. The first group comprised 12 babies who died aged between 5 and 11 days after a short illness characterised by collapse, acidosis, and bleeding. At necropsy there was evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation with haemorrhage into many organs including the renal medulla, suprarenal glands, gastrointestinal tract, and central nervous system. Six cases showed hepatic necrosis which was massive in three. Virus was present in many tissues. Infection was probably acquired from the mothers at delivery in 3 cases. Low maternal neutralising antibody titres and prematurity were thought to be adverse factors in the outcome. The second group consisted of 12 children aged between 9 weeks and 4 years 10 months who died suddenly. Pathological findings included upper respiratory tract infection, pneumonia, encephalitis, and gastroenteritis. Six of this group had been classified as 'cot deaths'. The role of echo 11 in the death of some of these older children is unknown. This report shows the danger of echo 11 to neonates, especially if unprotected by maternal antibody.
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