Enterovirus D68 in Hospitalized Children, Barcelona, Spain, 2014–2021

Abstract

To determine molecular epidemiology and clinical features of enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) infections, we reviewed EV-D68–associated respiratory cases at a hospital in Barcelona, Spain, during 2014–2021. Respiratory samples were collected from hospitalized patients or outpatients with symptoms of acute respiratory tract infection or suggestive of enterovirus infection. Enterovirus detection was performed by real-time multiplex reverse transcription PCR and characterization by phylogenetic analysis of the partial viral protein 1 coding region sequences. From 184 patients with EV-D68 infection, circulating subclades were B3 (80%), D1 (17%), B2 (1%), and A (<1%); clade proportions shifted over time. EV-D68 was detected mostly in children (86%) and biennially (2016, 2018, 2021). In patients <16 years of age, the most common sign/symptom was lower respiratory tract infection, for which 11.8% required pediatric intensive care unit admission and 2.3% required invasive mechanical ventilation; neurologic complications developed in 1. The potential neurotropism indicates that enterovirus surveillance should be mandatory.

Keywords

• Enterovirus D68
• EV-D68
• genetic diversity
• surveillance
• pediatric disease
• viruses