Echovirus type 7 meningitis in young children

W. R. Jarvis and G. Tucker

Clinical and virological features are presented of an epidemic of aseptic meningitis in children caused by echovirus type 7. The majority of patients were younger than 1 year of age. Symptoms varied according to age. The degree of CSF pleocytosis was inversely related to age and was significantly greater in infants 7 months of age and younger than in those older than 7 months. A CSF polymorphonuclear pleocytosis was documented in 66% of the cases. Human placental fibroblast provided a more rapid detection of cytopathic effect and improved final recovery rates when compared with rhesus monkey kidney cells, Vero cells, and human epidermoid (Hep-2) cells. Several possible explanations for the sudden appearance of echovirus type 7 activity are discussed.