Abstract
In 2018, a cluster of pediatric human parechovirus (HPeV) infections in 2 neighboring German hospitals was detected. Viral protein 1 sequence analysis demonstrated co-circulation of different HPeV-3 sublineages and of HPeV-1 and -5 strains, thereby excluding a nosocomial outbreak. Our findings underline the need for HPeV diagnostics and sequence analysis for outbreak investigations.
Highlights
In 2018, a cluster of pediatric human parechovirus (HPeV) infections in 2 neighboring German hospitals was detected
Human Parechovirus Type 3 Upsurge, Germany closely related to HPeV type 3 (HPeV-3) identified in Japan (98.82% nt identity), Australia (98.82%), and the United Kingdom (99.12%)
Several patients showed signs of sepsis-like illness, including the clinical triad of fever, poor feeding, and irritability. This is similar to a UK case series reporting a cluster of HPeV infections among infants in 2016 [6]
Summary
Routine diagnostics showed an unexpectedly high number of HPeV cases during a 6-week period in 2 neighboring hospitals in Freiburg, Germany. This raised concern about the possibility of a nosocomial outbreak. Several patients showed signs of sepsis-like illness, including the clinical triad of fever, poor feeding, and irritability This is similar to a UK case series reporting a cluster of HPeV infections among infants in 2016 [6]. By conducting phylogenetic analysis in combination with reviewing epidemiologic data, we could exclude a nosocomial outbreak Based on this information, transmissions could not be ruled out in 2 independent events with 2 cases each.
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