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[Influenza A virus antigens in children with congenital pathology of central nervous system]
Insights
Influenza A virus can circulate latently in children with central nervous system abnormalities. Viral antigens were detected for up to 17 months in nasal secretions, indicating long-term shedding.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
Context:
- Studies latent influenza A virus circulation in institutionalized children.
- Focuses on children with congenital central nervous system abnormalities.
- Utilizes viral antigen detection methods from 1989-1993.
Purpose:
- To investigate the prevalence and duration of influenza A virus shedding in a vulnerable pediatric population.
- To identify factors associated with influenza A virus antigen detection.
- To understand the long-term viral presence in nasal secretions and leukocytes.
Summary:
- Influenza A virus antigen detection rates correlated with patient age, genetic factors, and maternal history of respiratory illness during pregnancy.
- Evidence suggests long-term detection of influenza virus antigens (up to 17 months) in nasal secretions.
- Prolonged detection (up to 7 months) of specific HA gene sequences was observed in leukocytes and nasal washes.
Impact:
- Highlights the potential for prolonged influenza A virus shedding in immunocompromised children.
- Informs infection control strategies in long-term care facilities for children.
- Suggests a need for extended monitoring and diagnostic approaches for influenza in specific pediatric groups.
Abstract:
The latent circulation of influenza A virus in nursing home children with congenital central nervous abnormality was studied during 1989-1993 by the present-day diagnostic methods for detection of viral antigens. The influenza A virus antigen detection rates correlated with age, genetic predisposition, prior acute respiratory diseases in mothers during their pregnancy. There is evidence for long-term (up to 17 months) detection of influenza virus antigens in nasal secretions, as well as for prolonged (up to 7 months) detection of the same genomic sequences of HA gene both in leukocytes and nasal washes.