Abstract
BackgroundHuman Enterovirus (EV) and Parechovirus (HPeV) are well recognised as agents causing disease in neonates, but their importance is poorly described in the general paediatric population consulting with a suspicion of infection. ObjectiveWe investigated the prevalence of EV- or HPeV-associated infections in children presenting to a paediatric emergency department with a suspicion of infection. Study designPlasma specimens collected in our paediatric emergency room for clinical reasons were screened by specific real-time RT-PCR for the presence of EV and HPeV. ResultsBased on an analyses of 233 plasma specimens, up to 6.9% and 2.6% were positive for EV and HPeV, respectively. Amongst the population <3y.o, prevalence of EV and HPeV viraemia was 11% and 3.7%, respectively. Importantly, 56.3% of positive EV specimens were detected in infants >3 months of age. ConclusionThe prevalence of EV and HPeV viraemia in children <3 years old is largely underestimated. Our results confirm that EV should be suspected and included in the work-up in children >3 months of age and not restricted to neonates.
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