Acute viral encephalitis associated with human parvovirus B19 infection: unexpectedly diagnosed by metagenomic next-generation sequencing.

We report here a case of a 17-year-old boy with viral encephalitis associated with human parvovirus B19 who presented consciousness disturbance, left hemiparesis, and focal neurologic signs. The diagnosis was based on the specific sequence reads corresponding to human parvovirus B19 (PVB19) in a CSF sample as analyzed by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). Thus, PVB19 should be considered in the differential diagnosis of encephalitis and encephalopathy of unknown etiology. The introduction of mNGS into the diagnostic protocol of neuropathies, especially for those undiagnosed, could interrogate all genetic information in a biologic sample and facilitate the identification of the etiological agent.

Human Bocavirus Infection in Adults: Clinical Features and Radiological Findings.

OBJECTIVE: Human bocavirus (HBoV) is a newly identified pathogen that can cause upper and lower respiratory infections usually in children; however, its clinical characteristics and significance in respiratory infections in adults have not been well known. Our objective was to evaluate the clinical features of respiratory HBoV infection and to describe the CT findings of HBoV pneumonia in adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 185 adult patients diagnosed with HBoV infection at a tertiary referral center between January 2010 and December 2017 were retrospectively evaluated with respect to the clinical characteristics of HBoV infection and its risk factors for pneumonia. Chest CT findings for 34 patients with HBoV pneumonia without co-infection were analyzed and compared between immunocompetent (n = 18) and immunocompromised (n = 16) patients. RESULTS: HBoV infections were predominantly noted between February and June. Among the 185 patients with HBoV infection, 119 (64.3%) had community-acquired infections and 110 (59.5%) had pneumonia. In multivariable analysis, older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00-1.04; p = 0.045) and nosocomial infection (OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.05-4.10; p = 0.037) were associated with HBoV pneumonia. The main CT findings were bilateral consolidation (70.6%) and/or ground-glass opacities (64.7%); centrilobular nodules (14.7%) were found less frequently. The pattern of CT findings were not significantly different between immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients (all, p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: HBoV infection can be a potential respiratory tract infection in adults. The most frequent CT findings of HBoV pneumonia were bilateral consolidation and/or ground-glass opacities.

When Lightning Strikes Twice in Pediatrics: Case Report and Review of Recurrent Myocarditis.

Myocarditis is an important but incompletely understood cause of cardiac dysfunction. Children with fulminant myocarditis often require inotropic or mechanical circulatory support, and researchers in some studies suggest that up to 42% of children who die suddenly have evidence of myocarditis. Recurrent myocarditis is extremely rare, and the vast majority of reported cases involve adult patients. Pediatric providers who suspect a recurrence of myocarditis have limited evidence to guide patient management because the literature in this domain is sparse. Here we present a unique, illustrative pediatric case of recurrent myocarditis. A 14-year-old boy presented for the second time in 2 years with a clinical history strongly suggestive of myocarditis. Although myocarditis was suggested in the results of cardiac MRI, no pathogen was identified during his first presentation. During his second episode of myocarditis, parvovirus was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction testing of an endomyocardial specimen that also met Dallas criteria for myocarditis. With each presentation, he had decreased ventricular function that subsequently normalized. To the best of our knowledge, there are no reports of recurrent myocarditis in children in whom the diagnosis was confirmed by using MRI and/or biopsy data. Reviewing this distinctive case and the existing literature may help characterize this entity and raise awareness among care providers.

Amdoparvovirus Infection in Red Pandas ( Ailurus fulgens).

Aleutian mink disease virus is the type species in the genus Amdoparvovirus, and in mink and other Mustelidae can cause either subclinical disease or fatal chronic immune stimulation and immune complex disease. The authors describe a novel amdoparvovirus in the endangered red panda ( Ailurus fulgens), discovered using viral metagenomics. The authors analyzed the prevalence, tissue distribution, and disease association by PCR, in situ hybridization, electron microscopy, and histology in a group of 6 red pandas from a single zoological collection. The study incorporates a fecal shedding survey and analysis of tissues from 4 necropsied animals over a 12-year span. The tentatively named red panda amdoparvovirus (RpAPV) was detected in the feces and/or tissues of all animals tested. At necropsy of 1 geriatric animal, infection was associated with pyogranulomatous peritonitis, pancreatitis, and myocarditis. Other animals had detectable low-level viral nucleic acid in lymph nodes and both oral and intestinal epithelium at the time of necropsy. Full-length genome sequences of RpAPV strains from 2 animals had 12% sequence divergence, demonstrating genetic diversity even among in-contact animals. RpAPV is a persistent infection in this cohort of red pandas, and has variable clinical expression.

Parameters Associated with Adverse Fetal Outcomes in Parvovirus B19 Congenital Infection / Parâmetros associados a desfechos fetais adversos na infecção congênita pelo parvovírus B19

Abstract Objective To investigate the clinical and sonographic parameters associated with adverse fetal outcomes in patients with congenital parvovirus B19 infection managed by intrauterine transfusion. Methods This was a single-center retrospective study conducted from January 2005 to December 2016 that assessed patients with singleton pregnancies with fetal parvovirus infection confirmed by a polymerase chain reaction of the amniotic fluid or fetal blood samples who underwent at least one intrauterine transfusion. The maternal characteristics, sonographic findings and parameters related to intrauterine transfusion were compared between the two groups (recovery/non-recovery), who were categorized based on fetal response after in-utero transfusions. Progression to fetal death or delivery without fetal recovery after the transfusions was considered nonrecovery and categorized as an adverse outcome. Results The final analysis included ten singleton pregnancies: seven of which were categorized into the recovery group and three of which into the non-recovery group. The baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. All fetuses were hydropic at the time of diagnosis. No significant differences related to sonographic or intrauterine transfusion parameters were identified between the groups; however, the nonrecovery group tended to have an increased number of sonographic markers and lower fetal hemoglobin and platelet levels before the transfusion. Conclusion We were unable to firmly establish the clinical or sonographic parameters associated with adverse fetal outcomes in patients with parvovirus infection managed with intrauterine transfusions; however, edema, placental thickening and oligohydramnios may indicate greater fetal compromise and, subsequently, adverse outcomes. However, further studies are necessary, mainly due to the small number of cases analyzed in the present study.

Resumo Objetivo Investigar os parâmetros clínicos e ultrassonográficos associados ao desfecho fetal adverso em pacientes com infecção congênita por parvovírus B19 manejada por meio de transfusão intrauterina. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo de um único centro realizado entre janeiro de 2005 e dezembro de 2016, que avaliou pacientes com gestação única com infecção fetal por parvovírus confirmada por reação em cadeia da polimerase de líquido amniótico ou amostras de sangue fetal submetidas a pelo menos uma transfusão intrauterina. As características maternas, os achados ultrassonográficos e os parâmetros relacionados à transfusão intrauterina foram comparados entre os dois grupos (recuperação/não recuperação), que foram categorizados com base na resposta fetal após transfusão intrauterina. A progressão para morte fetal ou parto sem recuperação fetal após transfusões foi considerada não recuperação, e categorizada como um desfecho adverso. Resultados A análise final incluiu dez gravidezes únicas: sete foram categorizadas no grupo de recuperação, e três, no grupo de não recuperação. As características basais foram semelhantes entre os grupos. Todos os fetos estavam hidrópicos no momento do diagnóstico. Não foram identificadas diferenças significativas entre os grupos em relação aos parâmetros ultrassonográficos ou os das transfusões intrauterinas; Entretanto, o grupo de não recuperação tendeu a ter um número aumentado demarcadores ultrassonográficos e níveis mais baixos de hemoglobina e plaquetas fetais antes da transfusão. Conclusão Não foi possível estabelecer firmemente os parâmetros clínicos ou ultrassonográficos associados ao desfecho fetal adverso em pacientes com infecção por parvovírus manejada por meio de transfusões intrauterinas. Entretanto, edema de pele, espessamento placentário e oligoidrâmnio podem indicar maior comprometimento fetal e, posteriormente, desfechos fetais adversos. No entanto, estudos adicionais são necessários, principalmente devido ao pequeno número de casos analisados neste estudo.

Clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes of parvovirus B19 encephalitis in immunocompetent adults.

Parvovirus B19 (PVB19) has rarely been identified as a cause of encephalitis in immunocompetent adults, in whom clinical information regarding PVB19 encephalitis has remained unclear. Herein, we report the clinical presentations, laboratory and imaging findings, and treatment outcomes of five immunocompetent adults with PVB19 encephalitis. Although none of the patients showed any distinctive features of PVB19 infection, they showed various clinical manifestations, including one instance of brainstem involvement. Additionally, immunotherapy can be considered an effective approach, especially in immunocompetent adults with PVB19 encephalitis who are resistant to the initial management.

Parameters Associated with Adverse Fetal Outcomes in Parvovirus B19 Congenital Infection.

Objective To investigate the clinical and sonographic parameters associated with adverse fetal outcomes in patients with congenital parvovirus B19 infection managed by intrauterine transfusion. Methods This was a single-center retrospective study conducted from January 2005 to December 2016 that assessed patients with singleton pregnancies with fetal parvovirus infection confirmed by a polymerase chain reaction of the amniotic fluid or fetal blood samples who underwent at least one intrauterine transfusion. The maternal characteristics, sonographic findings and parameters related to intrauterine transfusion were compared between the two groups (recovery/non-recovery), who were categorized based on fetal response after in-utero transfusions. Progression to fetal death or delivery without fetal recovery after the transfusions was considered non-recovery and categorized as an adverse outcome. Results The final analysis included ten singleton pregnancies: seven of which were categorized into the recovery group and three of which into the non-recovery group. The baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. All fetuses were hydropic at the time of diagnosis. No significant differences related to sonographic or intrauterine transfusion parameters were identified between the groups; however, the non-recovery group tended to have an increased number of sonographic markers and lower fetal hemoglobin and platelet levels before the transfusion. Conclusion We were unable to firmly establish the clinical or sonographic parameters associated with adverse fetal outcomes in patients with parvovirus infection managed with intrauterine transfusions; however, edema, placental thickening and oligohydramnios may indicate greater fetal compromise and, subsequently, adverse outcomes. However, further studies are necessary, mainly due to the small number of cases analyzed in the present study.

Objetivo Investigar os parâmetros clínicos e ultrassonográficos associados ao desfecho fetal adverso em pacientes com infecção congênita por parvovírus B19 manejada por meio de transfusão intrauterina. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo de um único centro realizado entre janeiro de 2005 e dezembro de 2016, que avaliou pacientes com gestação única com infecção fetal por parvovírus confirmada por reação em cadeia da polimerase de líquido amniótico ou amostras de sangue fetal submetidas a pelo menos uma transfusão intrauterina. As características maternas, os achados ultrassonográficos e os parâmetros relacionados à transfusão intrauterina foram comparados entre os dois grupos (recuperação/não recuperação), que foram categorizados com base na resposta fetal após transfusão intrauterina. A progressão para morte fetal ou parto sem recuperação fetal após transfusões foi considerada não recuperação, e categorizada como um desfecho adverso. Resultados A análise final incluiu dez gravidezes únicas: sete foram categorizadas no grupo de recuperação, e três, no grupo de não recuperação. As características basais foram semelhantes entre os grupos. Todos os fetos estavam hidrópicos no momento do diagnóstico. Não foram identificadas diferenças significativas entre os grupos em relação aos parâmetros ultrassonográficos ou os das transfusões intrauterinas; Entretanto, o grupo de não recuperação tendeu a ter um número aumentado de marcadores ultrassonográficos e níveis mais baixos de hemoglobina e plaquetas fetais antes da transfusão. Conclusão Não foi possível estabelecer firmemente os parâmetros clínicos ou ultrassonográficos associados ao desfecho fetal adverso em pacientes com infecção por parvovírus manejada por meio de transfusões intrauterinas. Entretanto, edema de pele, espessamento placentário e oligoidrâmnio podem indicar maior comprometimento fetal e, posteriormente, desfechos fetais adversos. No entanto, estudos adicionais são necessários, principalmente devido ao pequeno número de casos analisados neste estudo.

Severe Lower Respiratory Tract Infection Caused by Human Bocavirus 1 in an Infant.

We report a case of human bocavirus 1 (HBoV1) bronchiolitis that led to life-threatening respiratory failure in a 9-month-old boy with no other pathogens detected. The virus-specific diagnosis was confirmed with the detection of HBoV1 DNA in respiratory samples and both DNA and IgM and IgG to HBoV1 in serum samples.

Fetal anemia, cerebellar hemorrhage and hypoplasia associated with congenital Parvovirus infection.

We report a case of fetal cerebellar hemorrhage and hypoplasia, identified by fetal MRI after intrauterine blood transfusion at 21 weeks' gestation for treatment of severe anemia due to congenital Parvovirus infection. Postnatal MRI confirmed atrophy of bilateral cerebellar hemispheres and inferior vermis. Cerebellar capillaries may be extremely susceptible to hemodynamic changes in the setting of intrauterine blood transfusion due to severe anemia. Although the correlation between fetal intracranial anomalies and Parvovirus infection remains unclear, in this population, a detailed evaluation of the brain parenchyma should be considered prior to and after intrauterine blood transfusion.

Diffuse Hepatic FDG Activity From Nonmalignant Etiologies.

Diffuse increased ¹8F-FDG activity is commonly caused by malignant involvement. We describe here cases of diffuse, uniformly increased ¹8F-FDG activity due to nonmalignant illnesses in 2 patients: one had parvovirus B19 infection, whereas the other had porphyria, a heme synthesis disorder.

Clinical presentation and outcome of 20 fetuses with parvovirus B19 infection complicated by severe anemia and/or fetal hydrops.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the prognosis of parvovirus B19 infection with severely anemic and/or hydropic fetuses according to initial ultrasound and biological criteria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 20 cases of congenital parvovirus B19-proven infection (positive PCR) complicated by fetal anemia and/or hydrops was examined. Anemia was suspected on an elevated peak systolic velocity of the middle cerebral artery and was confirmed by fetal blood sampling. RESULTS: Survival rate was 70% (14/20) overall and 76% (13/17) for fetuses with one or more transfusions. When fetal effusion regressed after the transfusion, all 11 fetuses survived, and neonatal condition was favorable for all. Among the 14 live-born children, there was one neonatal death and one admission to the neonatal care unit with no major complications. CONCLUSION: Despite active management by transfusion in fetuses with parvovirus B19 infection, mortality remained substantial during the acute phase of anemia and fetal hydrops. Regression of effusion appears to be an important variable for prognosis. Non-anemic forms exist with isolated refractory ascites or pleural effusion. Maternal mirror syndrome appears to reflect the intensity and persistence of the fetal anemia.

Primary and secondary human bocavirus 1 infections in a family, Finland.

Human bocavirus 1 (HBoV1) was detected in a young child hospitalized for pneumonia and subsequently in his twin brother and other family members. The mother's nasopharyngeal samples intermittently showed HBoV1 DNA; the grandmother had HBoV1 reinfection. Findings in this family lead to consideration of HBoV virulence, latency, and reactivation.

Analysis about the influence on the fetus infected with parvovirus B19 using amniotic erythropoietin and troponin-T.

OBJECTIVE: We tried to identify the influence on the fetus infected with parvovirus B19 (PB19) and retrospectively analyze the severity of fetal infection. METHODS: Twenty pregnant women who developed maternal PB19 infection were included in this study. A total of 20 amniotic fluid samples were collected for measurement of PB19-DNA, erythropoietin (Epo) and troponin-T (TnT). RESULTS: Of the 5 fetuses with hydrops, 2 were rescued by fetal therapy. Significant differences between groups were found for Epo and TnT: Epo 107.1 ± 45.3 mU/ml and TnT 0.040 ± 0.028 ng/ml (mean ± standard deviation) for the symptomatic fetus group; and Epo 18.9 ± 13.7 mU/ml and TnT 0.008 ± 0.014 ng/ml for the asymptomatic fetus group (p = 0.043 for both variables). Setting Epo ≥50 mU/ml as the predictor of disease onset resulted in an Odds ratio of 56.0, with a 95 % confidence interval of 7.68-1,108.76. CONCLUSION: The study has determined an amniotic Epo level of ≥50 mU/ml as a factor of the influence on the fetus infected with PB19. The measurement of amniotic Epo level combined with amniotic TnT level is effective for determining the severity of fetal hypoxia.

Ultrasonographic appearance of canine parvoviral enteritis in puppies.

The ultrasonographic appearance of the gastrointestinal tract of puppies suffering from parvoviral enteritis was characterized. Forty puppies between 6 and 24 weeks of age with confirmed canine parvoviral enteritis were examined ultrasonographically within 24 h of admission. Sonographic findings included fluid-filled small intestines in 92.5% of subjects, and stomach and colon in 80% and 62.5% of subjects, respectively. Generalized atony was present in 30 subjects and weak peristaltic contractions indicative of functional ileus observed in the remaining 10 subjects. The duodenal and jejunal mucosal layer thicknesses were significantly reduced when compared with normal puppies with mean duodenal mucosal layer measuring 1.7 mm and jejunal mucosal layer 1.0 mm. Additionally, a mucosal layer with diffuse hyperechoic speckles was seen in the duodenum (15% of subjects) and the jejunum (50% of subjects). The luminal surface of the duodenal mucosa was irregular in 22.5% of subjects and the jejunal mucosa in 42.5% of subjects. In all of these subjects, changes were accompanied by generalized indistinct wall layering. Small intestinal corrugations were seen within the duodenum in 35% of subjects and within the jejunum in 7.5%. A mild amount of anechoic free peritoneal fluid was observed in 26 subjects and was considered within normal limits and a moderate amount of anechoic free peritoneal fluid was observed in six subjects. The jejunal lymph node size was within normal limits. None of the above changes are pathognomonic for canine parvoviral enteritis but finding them in combination is highly suggestive.

Atypical manifestations of congenital parvovirus B19 infection.

Parvovirus B19 infection in pregnancy is associated with fetal anemia, hydrops and fetal death. We report two unusual manifestations of vertical parvovirus B19 infection. The first patient developed hydrops as consequence of myocarditis with involvement of sino-atrial node. The other had pleural effusion reactive to the hepatic localization of the virus.

Prenatal diagnosis and perinatal management of maternal-fetal congenital parvovirus B19 infection.

OBJECTIVE: In nonimmune pregnant woman, the primary infection with parvovirus B19 may lead to transplacental transmission to the fetus with variable outcomes, including congenital anemia, hydrops fetalis, fetal death or spontaneous resolution. CASE REPORT: The first case was of a 28-year-old woman, gravida 2, para 1, whose fetus was found to have left-sided pleural effusion on a sonogram at 29 weeks of gestation. A sample of aspirated pleural fluid was positive for parvovirus B19 by polymerase chain reaction. Cordocentesis showed fetal hemoglobin level of 5.0 g/dL. Intraperitoneal transfusion (IPT) was performed, because access to the fetal circulation was difficult. Thirty milliliters of group O, Rh-positive packed red cells were transfused into the peritoneal cavity. A non-hydropic baby weighing 2,680 g was delivered at 33 weeks of gestation. The neonates complete blood count examination showed a hemoglobin level of 16.3 g/dL. The newborn baby was discharged in stable condition. The second case was of a 31-year-old woman, gravida 2, para 1, whose fetus was found to have ascites, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and placentomegaly on a sonogram at 23 weeks of gestation. An amniotic fluid sample was positive for parvovirus B19 DNA by polymerase chain reaction. Fetal ascites and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy gradually resolved after maternal iron supplementation and 2 weeks of intrauterine digitalization therapy. A healthy infant weighing 3,198 g was delivered at 37 weeks of gestation. The neonates complete blood count examination showed a hemoglobin level of 10.3 g/dL. CONCLUSION: Termination of pregnancy is rarely indicated, because B19 virus is not teratogenic. Although intravascular transfusion offers obvious theoretical advantages, in some cases in which access to the fetal circulation is difficult or impossible, IPT should be performed combined with appropriate medical treatment. Thus, there is still a place for IPT in modern management of the severely anemic fetus, and this technique should not be neglected.