Kawasaki disease: infection, immunity and genetics

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2005 Nov;24(11):998-1004. doi: 10.1097/01.inf.0000183786.70519.fa.

Abstract

Kawasaki disease is an acute multisystem vasculitic syndrome of unknown etiology occurring mostly in infants and children younger than 5 years of age. In developed countries, Kawasaki disease is currently the leading cause of acquired heart diseases in children. However, it is still a mysterious disease. In this article, we reviewed and summarized from the aspects based on infection agents, host immune dysregulation and genetic background intended to establish a feasible infection-immunogenetic pathogenesis for this mysterious disease and also provided the rational strategy to explore optimal treatment of this disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Immunization
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome / etiology
  • Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome / genetics*
  • Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome / immunology*
  • Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome / prevention & control
  • Primary Prevention