Rheumatology: Current Research
Open Access

Abstract

Parainfluenza Virus Type 4b Infection in a Patient with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease

Esperanza Romero Fernández, Carlos Enrique Suarez Acosta and Calvo Elpidio

We describe the first reported case of bronchopneumonia by Parainfluenza Virus (PIV) type 4B without coinfection with any other respiratory virus in a patient with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) on chronic steroid therapy. The patient acquired an infection by PIV followed by a disease flare with development of bronchopneumonia. This report highlights the importance of considering rare microbiological diagnostics in patients on chronic corticosteroid treatment and autoimmune diseases. It also emphasizes the potential morbidity of this therapy in spite of its efficacy in patients with connective tissue diseases.