Abstract: Objective To understand the correlation of enterovirus 71 （EV71）, P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 （PSGL-1）, and scavenger receptor B2 （SCARB2） and to explore the possible pathway and mechanism of EV71 infection by observing the expression of EV71, PSGL-1 and SCARB2 in tissues of infants with brain stem encephalitis. Methods The organs and tissues of infants with EV71-VP1 positivity in their brain stems were chosen. Expression and distribution of EV71-VP1, PSGL-1, and SCARB2 were detected and compared by immunohistochemistry. Results Strong staining of EV71-VP1 was observed in the neuron, glial cells, the inflammatory cells of perivascular cuffing, parietal cells of the gastric fundus gland while alveolar macrophages, intestinal gland epithelium cells, mucosa lymphoid nodule and lymphocyte of palatine tonsil showed moderate staining and weak staining were displayed in mesenteric lymph nodes and lymphocyte of spleen. PSGL-1 expression was detected in parietal cells of the gastric fundus gland, tonsillar crypt squamous epithelium, alveolar macrophages and leukocytes in each tissue. SCARB2 expression was observed in all the above tissues except the intestines and spleen. Conclusion The distribution of EV71 correlates with SCARB2 expression. SCARB2 plays an important role in virus infection and replication. Stomach may be an important site for EV71 replication.

Key words: forensic pathology, encephalitis, enterovirus, P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1, scavenger receptors, class B, infants