Epidemiological features of entero non-poliovirus isolations in Belgium 1980–94

Abstract

Between 1980 and 1994 the virological laboratory of the Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology was responsible for the typing of enteroviruses, isolated by other, mainly university, hospital laboratories. Altogether 3333 strains of entero non-polio (EnP) were typed. The number and the most common types of EnP virus isolations varied from year to year. Each year two to three predominant types determined the main character of the EnP associated illness seen.

Enteroviral meningitis in children in Turkey

“…In Turkey, we detected an echovirus 30 aseptic meningitis outbreak during the summer of 1999 [12,13]. Also in Belgium, Spain and France echovirus 30 was the most frequently isolated aseptic meningitis agent in year 2000 [7,8,22]. It was also reported in Cyprus as the main cause of aseptic meningitis outbreaks in 2000-2002 [23].…”

“…Also in China, echovirus 30 was the probable cause of the aseptic meningitis outbreak from January to July in 2003; it was also the most prevalent etiological agent of viral meningitis in Brazil in 1998-2003 and in Argentina in the 2002-2003 outbreaks [25][26][27]. In DruytsVoegts' [7] survey different patterns in the presence of virus types became evident: echo 30, echo 11, echo 6, Coxsackie B3, Coxsackie B5 had outbreaks every three years; Coxsackie B2, B4, A9 were endemic and did not cause outbreaks; and echo 33 and echo 20 occurred only in outbreaks. Similarly, in our study, echovirus 30 was the most frequent enteroviral agent with peaks in 1999, 2002 and 2004.…”

“…The particular viral serotype associated with disease outbreaks varies with time and geographic location and is influenced by the background rate of community infection, socioeconomic condition, host immunity and possibly strain neurotropism [4]. Certain serotypes such as Coxsackie B5 virus, echovirus type 4, 6, 9, and 30 are associated with a greater frequency of meningitis than others [5][6][7][8][9][10]. Epidemiological surveillance plays a crucial role in understanding the changing patterns of enteroviral infection and disease association and may help in the control of infectious diseases [11].…”

Phylogenetic analysis of complete VP1 sequences of echoviruses 11 and 6: high genetic diversity and circulation of genotypes with a wide geographical and temporal range

“…The circulation of these genotypes throughout the world and over time has been studied to increase our understanding of the dynamics of their transmission, to evaluate their endemicity and to explain the extent of epidemics when they occur. Beyond type identification, sequencing of the VP1 region has also proved to be a reliable method for such molecular epidemiological studies.Echovirus 6 (E6) and echovirus 11 (E11) are among the most commonly isolated HEVs worldwide, and are frequently associated with outbreaks and sporadic cases of aseptic meningitis, as well as with several diseases ranging from mild non-specific illness to encephalitis, paralysis, myocarditis and severe systemic infections in neonates (Abe et al, 2000;Ashwell et al, 1996;Atkinson et al, 1998;Bahri et al, 2005;Belguith et al, 2007a;Boyd et al, 1987;Cabrerizo et al, 2008;Chomel et al, 2003;Druyts-Voets, 1997;El-Sageyer et al, 1998;Joo et al, 2005;Khetsuriani et al, 2006;Mao et al, 2010;Mirand et al, 2008;Miwa & Sawatari, 1994;Somekh et al, 2001;Ventura et al, 2001). However, despite their important impact on human health, studies of the molecular epidemiology of E6 and E11 remain limited.…”

 

“…[11] In Belgium, more than 80% of enteroviral infections were in children who under 4 years. [12] Childcare and kindergarten may be important continuums for early childhood care and development, young children would spend more time being congregating in a limited space, which in turns provides a readily available reservoir for rapid transmission of HFMD. This may further explain why epidemics of HFMD occur every 2−3 years, because such an interval allows a new population of susceptible individuals to accumulate.…”