Enterovirus

Enteroviruses are a genus of small, non-enveloped RNA viruses in the family Picornaviridae. They are positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses with an icosahedral capsid and a genome of about 7.2 kilobases. The genus includes many serotypes, such as polioviruses, coxsackie A and B viruses, echoviruses, and the numbered enteroviruses. More than 100 serotypes have been identified, contributing to a wide range of clinical presentations.

Transmission of enteroviruses occurs mainly via the fecal–oral route, though respiratory spread can also occur. They commonly infect children and often replicate in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, followed by viremia and, in some cases, invasion of the central nervous system or other organs. Illness ranges from mild febrile illness to more severe diseases such as aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, myocarditis, pneumonitis, diabetes-related pancreatic involvement, and hand–foot–mouth disease. Hand–foot–mouth disease is frequently caused by Coxsackie A viruses or Enterovirus A71 and presents with vesicular lesions on the hands, feet, and mouth.

Diagnosis is typically established by molecular methods such as RT-PCR from sites like throat swabs, stool, or cerebrospinal fluid; virus isolation and serology are also used in some settings. Treatment is mainly supportive, addressing symptoms and complications; there are no universally effective antivirals for enteroviruses. Vaccines exist for poliovirus (inactivated and oral vaccines) and, in some regions, vaccines against Enterovirus A71, but there is no broad-enterovirus vaccine.

Prevention centers on good hygiene, handwashing, disinfection of surfaces, and avoiding contact with infected individuals, particularly in childcare settings. Due to the large number of serotypes, enterovirus infections remain a common cause of pediatric illness worldwide.