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Selected pediatric viral infections

S Powell1, S S Schochet

  • 1Department of Pathology, University of Florida College of Medicine, J. Hillis Miller Health Sciences Center, Gainesville, USA.

Seminars in Pediatric Neurology
|September 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Viral central nervous system infections in children are serious but uncommon. Immunization has reduced the incidence of several viral causes, though congenital infections remain a concern.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Background:

  • Viral infections of the central nervous system (CNS) in pediatric populations are rare but can lead to severe outcomes.
  • Common viral etiologies include enteroviruses, herpesviruses (HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, CMV), arboviruses, rubella, mumps, measles, and HIV.
  • Congenital viral CNS infections can be caused by cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, and vertically transmitted HIV, while others are acquired postnatally.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a survey of the clinical and pathological manifestations of viral CNS infections in infants and children.
  • To present current incidence data for these pediatric viral CNS diseases.
  • To highlight the impact of immunization programs on the prevalence of specific viral CNS infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing data on viral CNS infections in children.
  • Analysis of clinical presentations and pathological findings associated with common viral pathogens.
  • Compilation of epidemiological data and incidence rates.

Main Results:

  • Enteroviruses, herpesviruses, arboviruses, rubella, mumps, measles, and HIV are identified as key viral causes of pediatric CNS infections.
  • Congenital infections pose a significant risk, with specific viruses like CMV and HSV being notable culprits.
  • Immunization initiatives have demonstrably decreased the occurrence of vaccine-preventable viral CNS diseases.

Conclusions:

  • Viral CNS infections in children, while uncommon, necessitate careful diagnosis and management due to potential severity.
  • Ongoing surveillance and vaccination programs are crucial for controlling the burden of these diseases.
  • Understanding the diverse clinical manifestations and etiological agents remains vital for pediatric healthcare providers.

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