A Case Report of Acute Flaccid Paralysis Caused by Enterovirus D68 Infection: The Beginning of a Polio-Like Epidemic?

Abstract

Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is a non-polio enterovirus that occasionally causes respiratory illnesses. EV-D68 infections have occurred over the last couple of years and have a high prevalence worldwide. This virus has recently been linked to acute flaccid paralysis and particularly affects children. We report the case of a young adult who presented with acute neurological manifestations along with respiratory involvement. EV-D68 was detected in the patient's broncho-alveolar lavage and was followed by a prolonged recovery period. Clinicians should consider EV-D68 infection in the differential diagnosis of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) and respiratory failure.

Zinc Influx Restricts Enterovirus D68 Replication

“…Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) of the Enterovirus genus ( Picornaviridae family) was first isolated in 1962 ( Schieble et al, 1967 ; D'Esposito and Postle, 2015 ). It has been found that EV-D68 particularly affects children, occasionally causing respiratory illness ( Nafisa et al, 2021 ). It was initially considered a rare virus until the first large outbreak in 2014 ( Midgley et al, 2014 ).…”