Hepatotoxic adenovirus infections are rare but can cause significant morbidity and mortality. We report four cases of hepatotoxic adenovirus infection in children that were associated with liver dysfunction. Adenovirus DNA was detected in liver tissue specimens by PCR in three patients. All four patients recovered with supportive care.
Les Maladies Invasives À Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Hib
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection was a major cause of invasive bacterial disease among children younger than 5 years of age in the United States before the introduction of the Hib vaccine. The incidence of Hib disease has declined by more than 99% since the vaccine was licensed in 1985. However, Hib disease still occurs, and it can be a serious illness. Recent outbreaks of Hib disease have been reported in the United States and other countries, underscoring the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage with the Hib vaccine.
Epidemiology
Hib is a bacterium that can cause serious infections, including meningitis, pneumonia, and sepsis. Hib is spread through contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person. Children younger than 5 years of age are at highest risk of Hib infection. Children with weakened immune systems are also at increased risk.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Hib infection depend on the type of infection. Meningitis is the most serious form of Hib infection. Symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, and vomiting. Pneumonia is another serious form of Hib infection. Symptoms of pneumonia include fever, cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Sepsis is a life-threatening infection that can be caused by Hib. Symptoms of sepsis include fever, chills, rapid breathing, and a fast heart rate.
Diagnosis
Hib infection is diagnosed based on a blood culture, cerebrospinal fluid culture, or respiratory culture. A blood culture is a test that is used to grow bacteria from a blood sample. A cerebrospinal fluid culture is a test that is used to grow bacteria from a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. A respiratory culture is a test that is used to grow bacteria from a sample of sputum or mucus.
Treatment
Hib infection is treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic that is used depends on the type of infection. Meningitis is treated with intravenous antibiotics. Pneumonia is treated with oral antibiotics. Sepsis is treated with intravenous antibiotics and supportive care.
Prevention
The best way to prevent Hib infection is to get vaccinated. The Hib vaccine is part of the routine childhood immunization schedule. The Hib vaccine is given in a series of three or four shots, depending on the vaccine used. The first shot is given at 2 months of age. The second shot is given at 4 months of age. The third shot is given at 6 months of age. The fourth shot is given at 12 months of age.
Hib vaccine is very effective at preventing Hib infection. The vaccine is safe and well-tolerated. Parents should make sure that their children are vaccinated according to the recommended schedule.
