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[Epidemic of aseptic meningitis with echovirus type 30 in Gifu Prefecture]
1Gifu Prefectural Health and Environment Research Center.
Abstract:
During July to December in 1991, an epidemic of aseptic meningitis occurred in Gifu Prefecture in children. Epidemiological, virological and serological investigations were performed. The results are as follows: 1) Cases involved ranged from 0 to 13 years of age, and 75.9% of them were in the 3 to 7 year of age group. 2) Three types of enteroviruses were isolated from 83 of 133 cases (62.4%), and the echovirus type 30 was recovered from 71 cases (85.5%). 3) In 1991 with the cross neutralizing test between the prototype and isolated strains of echovirus type 30, a remarkable antigenic variation could not be found. 4) In serological studies, the positive rates of neutralizing antibodies to echovirus type 30 in infant sera aged 0-9 years in 1992-1993, was 51.9% with the prototype strain, but 34.0% with an isolated strain in 1991.
Insights
An aseptic meningitis epidemic in Gifu Prefecture children was caused by enteroviruses, predominantly echovirus type 30. Investigations revealed limited antigenic variation but differing antibody responses to prototype and epidemic strains.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
Context:
- Aseptic meningitis outbreak occurred in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, between July and December 1991.
- The affected population primarily consisted of children aged 0-13 years, with a peak incidence in the 3-7 year age group.
Purpose:
- To conduct epidemiological, virological, and serological investigations of the aseptic meningitis epidemic.
- To identify the causative enterovirus strains and assess their antigenic properties and associated immune responses.
Summary:
- Enteroviruses were isolated from 62.4% of 133 cases, with echovirus type 30 identified in 85.5% of these isolates.
- Cross-neutralization tests indicated no significant antigenic variation in echovirus type 30 strains during the epidemic.
- Serological analysis showed a lower prevalence of neutralizing antibodies against the 1991 isolated echovirus type 30 strain compared to the prototype strain in children aged 0-9 years.
Impact:
- Highlights the epidemiological significance of echovirus type 30 in pediatric aseptic meningitis outbreaks.
- Suggests potential antigenic drift or differences in immune recognition between epidemic and prototype strains.
- Informs public health strategies for managing and preventing future enterovirus meningitis epidemics in children.