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The organisms reported to cause infective myocarditis and pericarditis in England and Wales
C K Fairley1, M Ryan, P G Wall
1Public Health Laboratory Service, Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, London, U.K.
Abstract:
It is difficult to acquire an overall perspective of the range of organisms responsible for infective myocarditis or pericarditis, and their relative importance, as most studies have involved only case reports or case series of a single organism. This study analyses reports to the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre, of the Public Health Laboratory Service. Reports where myocarditis or pericarditis was included as the main clinical features between 1990 and 1993 were studied. Between 1990 and 1993, 368 cases of myocarditis and/or pericarditis were reported to CDSC. Viruses were reported to cause 253 (69%) cases, bacteria were responsible for 49 (13%) cases, mycoplasma for 32 (9%) cases, chlamydia for 16 (4%) cases and Mycobacterium tuberculosis for nine (2%) cases. Infection with coxsackie B virus was most frequently associated with a mixed picture of myo/pericarditis, whereas influenzae virus was associated with pericarditis or myocarditis alone. This information will provide clinicians with details of the more likely pathogens responsible for these conditions.
Insights
Viruses are the leading cause of infective myocarditis and pericarditis, responsible for 69% of cases. This study analyzed UK surveillance data from 1990-1993 to identify common pathogens causing these heart conditions.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Myocarditis and pericarditis can be caused by various infectious agents.
- Previous studies often focused on single pathogens, limiting a comprehensive overview.
- Understanding the spectrum of causative organisms is crucial for clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the relative importance of different organisms causing infective myocarditis and pericarditis.
- To analyze surveillance data for trends in causative pathogens.
- To provide clinicians with information on likely infectious agents.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of case reports submitted to the Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (CDSC) in the UK.
- Inclusion criteria: myocarditis or pericarditis as main clinical features.
- Study period: 1990–1993.
Main Results:
- A total of 368 cases were reported between 1990 and 1993.
- Viruses were the most common cause (69%), followed by bacteria (13%), Mycoplasma (9%), Chlamydia (4%), and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (2%).
- Coxsackie B virus was linked to mixed myo/pericarditis, while influenza virus was associated with isolated myocarditis or pericarditis.
Conclusions:
- Viruses are the predominant pathogens responsible for infective myocarditis and pericarditis.
- Surveillance data provides valuable insights into the etiology of these conditions.
- Identifying common pathogens aids in clinical diagnosis and treatment strategies.