pediatrics
Kawasaki Disease
Etiology of Kawasaki Disease
The etiology of Kawasaki disease is unknown, but the epidemiology and clinical presentation suggest an infection or, more likely, an abnormal immunologic response to an infection in genetically predisposed children. Autoimmune disease is also a possibility. Children of Japanese descent have a particularly high incidence, but Kawasaki disease occurs worldwide. In the United States, 3000 to 5000 cases occur annually ( Etiology reference ). The male:female ratio is about 1.5:1. Eighty percent of patients are Cases occur year-round but most often in spring or winter. Clusters have been reported in communities without clear evidence of person-to-person spread. About 2% of patients have recurrences, typically months to years later. There is no known prevention. 1.Committee on Infectious Diseases, American Academy of Pediatrics, Kimberlin DW, Barnett ED, Lynfield R, Sawyer MH:Red Book: 2021–2024 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases, ed. 32, 2021. doi: 10.1542/9781610025782 