Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Infection in a Child With Encephalitis Complicated by Obstructive Hydrocephalus

• Published in: Clinical infectious diseases Vol. 66; no. 1; pp. 136 - 139
• Main Authors: Mak, Gannon Chun Kit, Kwan, Mike Yat-Wah, Mok, Chris Ka Pun, Lo, Janice Yee Chi, Peiris, Malik, Leung, Chi Wai
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Oxford University Press 06.01.2018
• Subjects: Amino Acid Substitution; Avian flu; Brain - diagnostic imaging; Brain - pathology; Brief Reports; Cerebrospinal fluid; Cerebrospinal Fluid - virology; Child, Preschool; Encephalitis; Encephalitis, Viral - complications; Encephalitis, Viral - diagnosis; Encephalitis, Viral - pathology; Humans; Hydrocephalus; Hydrocephalus - diagnosis; Hydrocephalus - pathology; Infections; Influenza; Influenza A; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype - classification; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype - genetics; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype - isolation & purification; Influenza, Human - complications; Influenza, Human - diagnosis; Influenza, Human - pathology; Influenza, Human - virology; Male; Mutation, Missense; Pathogens; Ribonucleic acid; RNA; RNA, Viral - cerebrospinal fluid; RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase - genetics; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Viral Proteins - genetics; Viruses; H5N1; avian influenza; hydrocephalus; central nervous system infection
• ISSN: 1058-4838; 1537-6591
• DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix707

A 2-year-old boy with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection with minimal respiratory symptoms developed encephalitis complicated by obstructive hydrocephalus. Viral RNA was detectable in cerebrospinal fluid. The virus belonged to H5N1 clade 2.3.2.1b and had acquired the mammalian adaptation mutation PB2 Q591K.