Parechovirus Flashcards
Human parechovirus (HPeV) belongs to family picornaviridae. 19 genotypes
Previously classified as enterovirus, now has own genus. Closely related
What conditions can it cause?
Encephalitis/ meningitis - seizures
Diarrhoea - paediatric/ immunocompromised
Respiratory illness
Myocarditis
What is structure of HPeV?
Icosahedral capsid
ss+RNA - Baltimore IV
Where does HPeV primarily infect?
GI and respiratory tract
Spread haematogenously to other organs
Can shed in stool up to 50 days
Who is at greatest risk of HPeV?
Children <2 years old
Can present as “hot, red, angry baby”
Present with sepsis like illness
or specific GI/ CNS/ resp symptoms
HPeV and enterovirus infections have similar symptoms, and cannot be distinguished clinically
How to diagnose HPeV?
PCR of - blood CSF - most common request stool - most common request respiratory secretions
What is treatment of HPeV?
Supportive care
IVIG has been used, no clear evidence
How is HPeV transmitted?
Droplet
Faecal-oral
