Report of a Myocarditis Outbreak among Pediatric Patients: Human Herpesvirus 7 as a Causative Agent?

BACKGROUND

The etiology of myocarditis in children has not yet been completely elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

Medical records of eight pediatric patients diagnosed with acute myocarditis within a 41-day period in a small-town hospital were retrospectively analyzed.

METHODS

We examined antibody titers of adenovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, herpes simplex virus, respiratory syncytial virus, varicella-zoster virus and cytomegalovirus in peripheral blood. We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification to detect genetic sequences from Human herpesvirus (HHV) 7, HHV 6, enterovirus, measles or parvovirus in peripheral blood.

RESULTS

The causative agent was HHV 7 in four patients. HHV 7 sequences were detected through PCR in one patient with rapid deterioration. Of four patients with HHV 7, two presented with dilated cardiomyopathy.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first report to suggest HHV 7 as a causative agent for acute myocarditis. We believe HHV 7 should be considered as a possible etiologic pathogen for patients with suspected myocarditis.