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HPeV4-6 linked with respiratory and GI symptoms
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Human parechoviruses infections in young children can be linked to respiratory and/or gastrointestinal symptoms, according to results of a recently published study.
Researchers from Emma Children’s Hospital in Amsterdam examined symptoms in 277 HPeV-positive children. HPeV4–6 infections were seen in 11% of patients; 42% had fever; 64% had gastrointestinal complaints and 58% had respiratory symptoms. HPeV type 4 was more common than types 5 and 6 in this group.
The study researchers said their findings suggest that the high number of patients with previous conditions could mean that HPeV4-6 may lead to more severe illness in previously ill patients than in those who were previously healthy.
The researchers noted six cases of otitis media were associated with all the three different types studied. HPeV4-6 was not associated with sepsis-like symptoms or aseptic meningitis in this study.
Researchers noted that their study was limited by the sample patients, who were all referred for virologic testing.
Pajkrt D. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2009;28:1008-1010.