What infectious agent is primarily responsible for myocarditis in children?

Viral infections, particularly enteroviruses, are primarily responsible for myocarditis in children. Enteroviruses, such as Coxsackievirus B, are known to invade the heart muscle and can trigger an inflammatory response. This inflammation can disrupt the normal functioning of the heart, leading to symptoms of myocarditis, such as chest pain, fatigue, and irregular heart rhythms.

While other infectious agents like bacteria, fungi, and parasites can cause myocarditis, they are not the most common culprits in pediatric cases. Viral myocarditis tends to be more prevalent, especially in children, due to the higher incidence of viral infections in that age group. The immune response to the viral infection also plays a significant role in the development of myocarditis, making it a key focus in pediatric cardiology when addressing this condition.