We are thrilled to announce that our 2013 donation to Arkansas Children’s Hospital was extremely successful! As a direct result of your support, ACH is now able to detect a whole new genus of viruses, called parechoviruses. We can’t stress how important the impact of this work is. Prior to this grant, this virus was previously undetectable at ACH. Now that they are able to identify this genus of viruses, doctors and researchers will be able to report on the these viruses for the entire state of Arkansas and the surrounding region, contributing to an even greater understanding of these issues at a national level. Dr. Romero, Chief, Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Director, Clinical Trial Research , says he plans to use this data to improve long-term outcomes in children. We could not be more pleased with the direction that he is taking with this exciting new testing!

Here is a little bit about what a parechovirus or human parechovirus (HPeV) is. HPeV is divided into 2 species, A and B, and A consists of 16 different types.  HPeV infections are a frequent cause of infection in childhood. The clinical presentation is diverse, and varies from mild gastrointestinal infections to more severe diseases like meningitis and sepsis leading to mortality.

Cerebrospinal fluid, blood and feces have the highest sensitivity for detecting HPeV. After a primary HPeV infection, there is still a possibility of viral shedding in the feces and respiratory system for several weeks. Although, HPeV is a frequent cause of serious infection in children, there are limited tools available to fight these viruses. There is no treatment for HPeV infections, and little is known about the long-term prognosis of HPeV infections. (Information is from the National Institutes of Health)

If you have supported The Bellaflies Foundation this victory is yours! Your dedication to Making a Positive is improving and saving lives, and that is what Bella’s foundation is all about!