Parainfluenza type 3 meningitis. Report of two cases and review of the literature

Clin Pediatr (Phila). 1990 Mar;29(3):175-8. doi: 10.1177/000992289002900307.

Abstract

The authors present two immunocompetent children with parainfluenza type 3 meningitis. In each case, the outcome was favorable without detectable complications. The authors reviewed the literature, showing that central nervous system (CNS) involvement by parainfluenza viruses has rarely been described but may present with a variety of neurologic syndromes. Pediatricians and laboratory personnel should recognize that these viruses, commonly known to produce respiratory syndromes, can also be a cause of CNS infections. If additional studies confirm these observations, clinicians and virology laboratories may consider whether early hemadsorption testing to detect myxoviruses is warranted.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Haemophilus Infections
  • Haemophilus influenzae
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Viral / etiology*
  • Parainfluenza Virus 3, Human
  • Paramyxoviridae Infections*