Acute bronchitis due to Parainfluenza virus

**Definition:** A disease of the bronchi, caused by an acute infection with parainfluenza virus. This disease is characterised by acute inflammation of the bronchi leading to cough, sputum production, wheezing, or shortness of breath. Transmission is by inhalation of infected respiratory secretions, direct contact, or through fomites. Confirmation is by identification of the parainfluenza virus in respiratory secretions, detection of a significant rise in parainfluenza specific IgG antibodies in paired serum, or detection of parainfluenza specific IgM antibodies in a single serum sample.

**Long definition:** Rapid onset inflammation of the large airways in the lung, including any part of the bronchi due to infection with parainfluenza virus.