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Aseptic meningitis in infants < 2 years of age: diagnosis and etiology

L E Berlin1, M L Rorabaugh, F Heldrich

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|October 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Group B coxsackieviruses and echoviruses are the primary causes of aseptic meningitis in young children. A small number of enterovirus serotypes are responsible for the majority of these infections.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Virology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Aseptic meningitis is a significant cause of illness in infants and young children.
  • Enteroviruses are a common cause of viral meningitis, but their specific contributions vary.
  • Understanding the etiological agents is crucial for diagnosis and prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the relative contribution of different enterovirus classes to aseptic meningitis in children under 24 months old.
  • To identify specific enterovirus serotypes most frequently associated with aseptic meningitis in this age group.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of aseptic meningitis cases in children < 24 months old.
  • Virus isolation using cell culture and newborn mice.
  • Serologic tests for viral pathogen identification.

Main Results:

  • Enteroviruses were identified in 60% of 274 cases.
  • Group B coxsackieviruses and echoviruses accounted for 92% of laboratory-diagnosed cases.
  • Eight specific enterovirus serotypes were responsible for 78% of all cases, with serotypes B2, B4, and B5 being most common.

Conclusions:

  • Group B coxsackieviruses and echoviruses are the predominant enteroviruses causing aseptic meningitis in young children.
  • A limited number of enterovirus serotypes are responsible for the majority of infections, highlighting potential targets for surveillance and intervention.

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