FATAL INFECTION WITH ECHOVIRUS 11

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 57  (1) , 22-29
Abstract
Fatal cases (24) of echo virus 11 infection in the 11 yr, 1968-1978 are presented. All were children and they could be divided into 2 groups according to age at death and clinical presentation. The 1st group comprised 12 babies who died at 5-11 days of age after a short illness characterized by collapse, acidosis and bleeding. At necropsy there was evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation with hemorrhage into many organs including the renal medulla, suprarenal glands, gastrointestinal tract and CNS. Six cases showed hepatic necrosis which was massive in 3 cases. Virus was present in many tissues. Infection was probably acquired from the mothers at delivery in 3 cases. Low maternal neutralizing antibody titers and prematurity were thought to be adverse factors in the outcome. The 2nd group consisted of 12 children 9 wk to 4 yr, 10 mo. old who died suddenly. Pathological findings included upper respiratory tract infection, pneumonia, encephalitis and gastroenteritis. Six were classified as cot deaths. The role of echovirus 11 in the death of some of these older children is unknown. The danger of echovirus 11 to neonates, especially if unprotected by maternal antibody, is discussed.

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