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Isolation of parainfluenza virus type 3 from cerebrospinal fluid associated with aseptic meningitis
R D Craver1, R S Gohd, D R Sundin
1Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Medical School, New Orleans 70112.
Abstract:
Parainfluenza virus type 3 has been isolated from the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) from six individuals--four children and two adults--over a 10-year period. All had fever, and four had signs of meningitis. All recovered uneventfully, including one child undergoing chemotherapy for medulloblastoma. The clinical presentation of this child who developed parainfluenza virus type 3 meningitis is described, and the cases of five other individuals with parainfluenza virus type 3 isolated from the CSF are briefly reviewed. The paramyxovirus parainfluenza type 3, in addition to mumps virus, may be considered capable of infecting the central nervous system.
Insights
Parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV3) can infect the central nervous system, causing meningitis in both children and adults. Fortunately, all reported cases showed full recovery, even in immunocompromised individuals.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV3) is a common respiratory pathogen.
- Central nervous system (CNS) infections are typically associated with other viruses.
Observation:
- PIV3 was identified in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of six patients (four children, two adults) over ten years.
- All patients presented with fever; four exhibited meningitis symptoms.
- One pediatric patient had medulloblastoma and was undergoing chemotherapy.
Findings:
- PIV3 meningitis was diagnosed in all six cases.
- All patients, including the immunocompromised child, recovered without complications.
- This study confirms PIV3's neuroinvasive potential.
Implications:
- PIV3 should be considered a potential cause of meningitis, particularly in children.
- Further research into PIV3 neurotropism and pathogenesis is warranted.
- Clinical awareness of PIV3 CNS infection can aid timely diagnosis and management.