tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
J Infect Public Health
. 2023 Dec 28;17(3):417-420.
doi: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.12.018. Online ahead of print. Characterization of an influenza B virus isolated from a fatal case of myocarditis in a pediatric patient in Italy
Simona Puzelli[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Marzia Facchini[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Sara Piacentini[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Giuseppina Di Mario[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Maria Eugenia Colucci[SUP] 3 [/SUP], Laura Calzoletti[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Concetta Fabiani[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Angela Di Martino[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Licia Veronesi[SUP] 3 [/SUP], Giacomo Biasucci[SUP] 4 [/SUP], Mauro Codeluppi[SUP] 5 [/SUP], Giuliana Lo Cascio[SUP] 6 [/SUP], Roberta Schiavo[SUP] 6 [/SUP], Alessandra Rampini[SUP] 7 [/SUP], Paola Affanni[SUP] 3 [/SUP], Anna Teresa Palamara[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Paola Stefanelli[SUP] 2 [/SUP]
Affiliations
Influenza B is one of the infective agents that can cause rapid and fatal myocarditis in children. Here, we describe a fatal case of myocarditis in a previously healthy child, after infection with an influenza B/Victoria-lineage virus during the 2022-23 epidemic season in Italy. Influenza B virus was isolated also in a second case, a younger family member showing only a mild influenza-like illness. Genotypic and phenotypic analyses have been performed on both virus samples and results showed that HA1 sequences were identical and genetically and antigenically related to other B viruses circulating in 2022-23 season in Italy. However, a D129N substitution was found in the receptor binding domain of the HA of the two viruses, not detected in other circulating viruses in Italy but only in a proportion of those circulating in other European countries. Phenotypic analyses assessed the susceptibility towards either neuraminidase inhibitors and baloxavir. Annual influenza vaccination remains one of the best interventions to prevent complications such as myocarditis, particularly in children.
Keywords: Extra-pulmonary complications; Influenza B virus; Italy; Molecular characterization; Myocarditis; Pediatrics.
. 2023 Dec 28;17(3):417-420.
doi: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.12.018. Online ahead of print. Characterization of an influenza B virus isolated from a fatal case of myocarditis in a pediatric patient in Italy
Simona Puzelli[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Marzia Facchini[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Sara Piacentini[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Giuseppina Di Mario[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Maria Eugenia Colucci[SUP] 3 [/SUP], Laura Calzoletti[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Concetta Fabiani[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Angela Di Martino[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Licia Veronesi[SUP] 3 [/SUP], Giacomo Biasucci[SUP] 4 [/SUP], Mauro Codeluppi[SUP] 5 [/SUP], Giuliana Lo Cascio[SUP] 6 [/SUP], Roberta Schiavo[SUP] 6 [/SUP], Alessandra Rampini[SUP] 7 [/SUP], Paola Affanni[SUP] 3 [/SUP], Anna Teresa Palamara[SUP] 2 [/SUP], Paola Stefanelli[SUP] 2 [/SUP]
Affiliations
- PMID: 38262078
- DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.12.018
Influenza B is one of the infective agents that can cause rapid and fatal myocarditis in children. Here, we describe a fatal case of myocarditis in a previously healthy child, after infection with an influenza B/Victoria-lineage virus during the 2022-23 epidemic season in Italy. Influenza B virus was isolated also in a second case, a younger family member showing only a mild influenza-like illness. Genotypic and phenotypic analyses have been performed on both virus samples and results showed that HA1 sequences were identical and genetically and antigenically related to other B viruses circulating in 2022-23 season in Italy. However, a D129N substitution was found in the receptor binding domain of the HA of the two viruses, not detected in other circulating viruses in Italy but only in a proportion of those circulating in other European countries. Phenotypic analyses assessed the susceptibility towards either neuraminidase inhibitors and baloxavir. Annual influenza vaccination remains one of the best interventions to prevent complications such as myocarditis, particularly in children.
Keywords: Extra-pulmonary complications; Influenza B virus; Italy; Molecular characterization; Myocarditis; Pediatrics.