Human parechovirus infection in Hong Kong
neonates, infants, and young children:
abridged secondary publication
PKS Chan1; MCW Chan1; EAS Nelson2; TF Leung2
1 Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
2 Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong
1. Human parechovirus (HPeV) infection occurred
in about 2.3% of all young children (≤3 months)
hospitalised for acute viral illnesses.
2. HPeV infection exhibited a distinct seasonality, with most infections occurring in September to January (autumn and winter).
3. The more pathogenic type, HPeV3, was rare in Hong Kong.
4. Clinical presentation of HPeV ranged from mild gastroenteritis, upper respiratory tract infection, and febrile rash to convulsion and severe sepsis.
5. Diagnostic service for HPeV should be made available for young infants presenting with sepsis.
2. HPeV infection exhibited a distinct seasonality, with most infections occurring in September to January (autumn and winter).
3. The more pathogenic type, HPeV3, was rare in Hong Kong.
4. Clinical presentation of HPeV ranged from mild gastroenteritis, upper respiratory tract infection, and febrile rash to convulsion and severe sepsis.
5. Diagnostic service for HPeV should be made available for young infants presenting with sepsis.