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.

Related Concept Videos

Diphtheria01:28

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is an acute, toxin-mediated infectious disease that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract. It is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, a Gram-positive, pleomorphic rod that lacks spore-forming capability and exhibits a characteristic club-shaped morphology under microscopic examination. While C. diphtheriae can asymptomatically colonize mucosal surfaces, clinical disease manifests only when the bacterial strain is lysogenized by a specific β-corynephage. This phage...
Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction01:28

Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...