Epidemiology of encephalitis in children. A prospective multicentre study (original) (raw)

Abstract

We found 175 cases with acute encephalitis in a population of 791,712 children aged 1 month – 15 years during a 2-year surveillance period in 1993–1994. The overall incidence was 10.5/100,000 child-years with the highest figure in children < 1 year of age, 18.4/100 000 child-years. The microbial diagnosis was considered proven or suggested in 110 cases (63%); varicella zoster, respiratory and enteroviruses comprised 61% of these, and adeno, Epstein Barr-, herpes simplex and rota viruses comprised 5% each. A clearcut change seems to have occurred in the aetiology of encephalitis. Mumps, measles, and rubella virus associated encephalitides have been almost eliminated. Varicella zoster, respiratory, and enteroviruses have increased in frequency and occur in younger age groups. New causes were identified, especially Chlamydia pneumoniae and HHV-6. Our data should assist in making a specific diagnosis and defining appropriate antimicrobial therapy.

ConclusionThe spectrum of encephalitis in children has changed due to vaccination programs. The incidence, however, appears to be about the same due to increasing frequency of other associated old and new microbes.

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Authors and Affiliations

1. Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, POB 21, FIN-00014 Helsinki University, Finland, , , , , , FI
   M. Koskiniemi & A. Vaheri
2. Department of Paediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital, Finland, , , , , , FI
   M. Korppi & E. Herrgård
3. Department of Paediatrics, Central Hospital of North Karelia, Joensuu, Finland, , , , , , FI
   K. Mustonen
4. Department of Paediatrics, Jorvi Hospital, Espoo, Finland, , , , , , FI
   M. Muttilainen
5. Department of Paediatrics, Oulu University Hospital, Finland, , , , , , FI
   H. Rantala
6. Department of Paediatrics, Helsinki University Hospital, Finland, , , , , , FI
   P. Ukkonen

Authors

1. M. Koskiniemi
2. M. Korppi
3. K. Mustonen
4. H. Rantala
5. M. Muttilainen
6. E. Herrgård
7. P. Ukkonen
8. A. Vaheri

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Study Group

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Received: 30 March 1996 / Accepted: 31 October 1996

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Koskiniemi, M., Korppi, M., Mustonen, K. et al. Epidemiology of encephalitis in children. A prospective multicentre study.Eur J Pediatr 156, 541–545 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004310050658

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• Issue date: June 1997
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004310050658