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Echovirus type 11 infection in Melbourne--1953 to 1980
Abstract:
Echovirus type 11 (echo 11) has been isolated at the virus laboratory of Fairfield Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, in 20 of the 28 years since the laboratory was established. During this time two major epidemics have occurred; the first, in 1971-2 involved 90 patients with aseptic meningitis or respiratory illness. The second began in June 1979 and lasted for 11 months, during which echo 11 was isolated from 174 patients admitted to Fairfield Hospital, other Victorian and Tasmanian hospitals and a children's reception centre. The patients' illnesses included viral meningitis (66%), fever (10%), respiratory infections (7%) and gastroenteritis (2%). One baby died. Echo 11 was recovered from nasopharyngeal swabs or aspirates, cerebrospinal fluid and faecal specimens and was isolated most frequently in the Borrie cell line. Isolates were readily identified by immune electron microscopy and/or neutralization tests.
Insights
Echovirus type 11 (echo 11) caused two major epidemics in Australia between 1971 and 1980, leading to aseptic meningitis and respiratory illnesses. This virus was frequently isolated from various patient samples, highlighting its significant public health impact.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Echovirus type 11 (echo 11) has been recurrently isolated at Fairfield Hospital, Melbourne, over 28 years.
- Two significant epidemics of echo 11 infections were documented: one in 1971-72 and another from June 1979 to May 1980.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the epidemiology and clinical manifestations of echovirus type 11 outbreaks in Australia.
- To document the isolation and identification methods for echo 11.
Main Methods:
- Echovirus type 11 isolation from clinical specimens including nasopharyngeal swabs, cerebrospinal fluid, and faeces.
- Virus identification using immune electron microscopy and neutralization tests.
- Cell line usage, with frequent isolation in Borrie cell line.
Main Results:
- The 1971-72 epidemic affected 90 patients with aseptic meningitis or respiratory illness.
- The 1979-80 epidemic involved 174 patients, with viral meningitis (66%) as the predominant diagnosis.
- Other reported illnesses included fever (10%), respiratory infections (7%), and gastroenteritis (2%).
- One infant fatality was associated with echo 11 infection.
Conclusions:
- Echovirus type 11 has demonstrated a significant epidemic potential in Australia.
- The virus can cause severe illness, including viral meningitis and, in rare cases, death.
- Effective laboratory methods, including immune electron microscopy and neutralization tests, are crucial for identifying echo 11 outbreaks.