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Fulminant Hepatitis Due to Enterovirus E25 Systemic Infection in a Pediatric Patient

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) is a rare but life-threatening condition characterized by rapid clinical deterioration and high mortality. Viral infections represent a major etiology of PALF, although the causative agent remains unidentified in a substantial proportion of cases. Human Enteroviruses (EVs) are typically associated with self-limiting illnesses; however, they may rarely cause severe systemic disease, including fulminant hepatitis, particularly in neonates and young children. We describe the case of a 4-year-old previously healthy male who presented with acute fulminant hepatitis secondary to systemic Echovirus 25 (E25) infection, with concomitant Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) co-infection of recent onset. The diagnosis was established through multiplex PCR on cerebrospinal fluid, blood, stool, and nasopharyngeal aspirate, with serotype confirmation by the Italian National Institute of Health. The patient required intensive supportive care including therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), continuous kidney replacement therapy (CKRT), and intravenous immunoglobulins (IGIV). Despite initial clinical deterioration and placement on the liver transplant list, the patient achieved complete hepatic recovery and was discharged after fourteen days of hospitalization without requiring transplantation. This case highlights the importance of prompt virological workup including enterovirus PCR in children presenting with acute liver failure of undetermined etiology and supports the use of extracorporeal therapies as a bridge to recovery.

Source: Pathogens

DOI: 10.3390/pathogens15070666