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Parainfluenza virus type 2 meningitis and parotitis in an 11-year-old child
B A Jantausch1, B L Wiedermann, B Jeffries
1Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC 20010.
Abstract:
We describe the case of an 11-year-old Bolivian boy with parotitis and aseptic meningitis to demonstrate that parainfluenza virus type 2 can cause disseminated infection in a normal child. Parainfluenza virus type 2 was isolated from nasopharyngeal and CSF specimens from the patient and was confirmed to be parainfluenza virus type 2 by hemadsorption inhibition and by complement fixation. Parainfluenza virus type 2 may cause aseptic meningitis and parotitis.
Insights
Parainfluenza virus type 2 can cause widespread infection in children, leading to parotitis and aseptic meningitis. This case highlights the virus
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Neurovirology
Background:
- Parainfluenza viruses are common respiratory pathogens.
- Disseminated infections are rare in immunocompetent children.
- Aseptic meningitis and parotitis are potential clinical manifestations.
Observation:
- An 11-year-old boy presented with parotitis and aseptic meningitis.
- Parainfluenza virus type 2 was identified in nasopharyngeal and cerebrospinal fluid samples.
- Viral identification was confirmed using hemadsorption inhibition and complement fixation assays.
Findings:
- Parainfluenza virus type 2 was confirmed as the causative agent.
- The virus caused disseminated infection in an otherwise healthy child.
- Clinical presentation included parotitis and aseptic meningitis.
Implications:
- Parainfluenza virus type 2 should be considered in the differential diagnosis of parotitis and aseptic meningitis in children.
- This case expands the known spectrum of parainfluenza virus type 2 infections.
- Further research may elucidate the mechanisms of viral dissemination in immunocompetent hosts.