On 5 May 2023, France reported an increase in cases of severe neonatal sepsis associated with Enterovirus (Echovirus-11 (E-11)). A total of nine cases of neonatal sepsis with liver involvement and multi-organ failure, with seven deaths, were reported between July 2022 and April 2023 from four hospitals in three regions of France.
As of 26 June 2023, several cases have been reported in European countries (1 in Croatia, 7 in Italy, 2 in Spain, 5 in Sweden and 2 in the UK).
Echovirus 11 (E-11) belongs to the genus Enterovirus. Like other enteroviruses, E-11 infections are associated with a wide spectrum of illnesses, ranging from mild non-specific symptoms to systemic disorders such as skin rashes, febrile illnesses and severe neurological disorders, including meningitis, encephalitis and acute flaccid paralysis (AFP).
The main concern is that Echovirus 11 (E-11) can cause severe disease in neonates and infants, with high morbidity and mortality. This virus can be transmitted vertically from mother to child, making infection control difficult. Infections can cause severe inflammatory diseases in neonates, including severe acute hepatitis with coagulopathy.
Globally, there is no enterovirus surveillance programme. Therefore, it is difficult to estimate the extent of current severe neonatal E-11 infections or circulation rates of E-11 viruses in the population. Without enterovirus surveillance, it is likely that only the most severe cases will be detected through active efforts to test and type samples from such cases. Since non-polio enterovirus infection is often not a notifiable disease, there may be additional cases of severe neonatal enterovirus infection that have not been diagnosed and/or reported.
The VIASURE Rhinovirus + Enterovirus real-time PCR kit is designed for specific identification and differentiation of Rhinovirus and/or Enterovirus. The primer/probe design allows detection of Enterovirus (Echovirus-11 (E-11)), enabling early and accurate diagnosis of this viral infection. The qPCR (real-time PCR) technique is highly sensitive and specific, ensuring reliable and accurate results in short periods of time.
The VIASURE kit offers significant advantages in the diagnosis of Rhinovirus and Enterovirus infections.
Detection of Echovirus-11 ensures accurate assessment of infection, surveillance of outbreaks and reduction of undiagnosed severe neonatal enterovirus infections.”
Early detection of Echovirus-11 is crucial to take appropriate and timely measures in the clinical management of affected patients. This includes identifying outbreaks, isolating and appropriately treating affected cases, and monitoring the spread of the virus to implement effective control and prevention measures.
In addition, the ability to differentiate between Rhinovirus and Enterovirus is valuable, as these two families of viruses may present with similar symptoms, but their clinical implications and treatments may differ. Accurate diagnosis allows for more personalised and appropriate medical care for each patient.
In summary, the VIASURE Rhinovirus + Enterovirus real-time PCR kit is an invaluable tool for the rapid and accurate diagnosis of viral infections, especially in cases of Echovirus-11, and contributes significantly to effective public health and healthcare management.
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More info through email to: viasure@certest.es
