Coronavirus 229E-related pneumonia in immunocompromised patients

Clin Infect Dis. 2003 Oct 1;37(7):929-32. doi: 10.1086/377612. Epub 2003 Sep 8.

Abstract

Coronaviruses strains 229E and OC43 have been associated with various respiratory illnesses ranging from the self-resolving common cold to severe pneumonia. Although chronic underlying conditions are major determinants of severe respiratory virus infections, few data about coronavirus-related pneumonia in immunocompromised patients are available. Here we report 2 well-documented cases of pneumonia related to coronavirus 229E, each with a different clinical presentation. Diagnosis was made on the basis of viral culture and electron microscopy findings that exhibited typical crown-like particles and through amplification of the viral genome by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. On the basis of this report, coronaviruses should be considered as potential causative microorganisms of pneumonia in immunocompromised patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Common Cold / etiology
  • Coronavirus 229E, Human / isolation & purification*
  • Coronavirus Infections / classification
  • Coronavirus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Male
  • Pneumonia / diagnosis*
  • Pneumonia / virology
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction