Gene expression analysis in children with complex seizures due to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 or rotavirus gastroenteritis

Viral infections have been implicated as a cause of complex seizures in children. The pathogenic differences in complex seizures due to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 or rotavirus gastroenteritis remain unclear. This study analyzed the gene expression profiles in the peripheral whole blood from pediatric patients with complex seizures due to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 or rotavirus gastroenteritis. The gene expression profiles of ten patients (five with seizures and five without) with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and six patients (three with seizures and three without) with rotavirus gastroenteritis were examined. Gene expression profiles in the whole blood were different in complex seizures due to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 or rotavirus gastroenteritis. Transcripts related to the immune response were significantly differentially expressed in complex seizures with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, and transcripts related to the stress response were significantly differentially expressed in complex seizures with rotavirus gastroenteritis. Pathway analysis showed that the mitogen-activated protein kinases in the T cell receptor signaling pathway were activated in complex seizures due to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. Dysregulation of the genes related to immune response or stress response could contribute to the pathogenic differences of the complex seizures due to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 or rotavirus gastroenteritis.