Since recurrences are unusual in Kawasaki disease, it is thought that the trigger is more likely to be represented by a single pathogen, rather than a range of viral or bacterial agents. Various candidates have been implicated, including upper respiratory tract infection by some novel RNA virus. Despite intensive search, no single pathogen has been identified. There has been debate as to whether the infectious agent might be a superantigen (i.e. one commonly associated with excessive immune system activation). Current consensus favors an excessive immunologic response to a conventional antigen which usually provides future protection. Research points to an unidentified ubiquitous virus, possibly one that enters through the respiratory tract.Seasonal trends in the appearance of new cases of Kawasaki disease have been linked to tropospheric wind patterns, which suggests wind-borne transport of something capable of triggering an immunologic cascade when inhaled by genetically susceptible children. Winds blowing from central Asia correlate with numbers of new cases of Kawasaki disease in Japan, Hawaii, and San Diego. These associations are themselves modulated by seasonal and interannual events in the El Niño–Southern Oscillation in winds and sea surface temperatures over the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean. Efforts have been made to identify a possible pathogen in air-filters flown at altitude above Japan. One source has been suggested in northeastern China. Genetics
Genetic susceptibility is suggested by increased incidence among children of Japanese descent around the world, and also among close and extended family members of affected people.
Keratomalacia is an eye disorder that results from vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A is required to maintain specialized epithelia (such as in the cornea and conjunctiva). The precise mechanism is still not known, but vitamin A is necessary for the maintenance of the specialized epithelial surfaces of the body. A lack of vitamin A leads to atrophic changes in the normal mucosal surface, with loss of goblet cells, and replacement of the normal epithelium by an inappropriate keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. In addition, the substantia propria of the cornea breaks down and liquefies, resulting in keratomalacia.The resulting cornea becomes totally opaque, which is one of the most common reasons for blindness around the world, particularly in developing countries. See also
Acute promyelocytic leukemia
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Xerophthalmia

References
External links

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