Enterovirussuvun

Enterovirussuvun is a term used in some classifications to designate a hypothetical subgenus within the genus Enterovirus. It is not a standard taxonomic unit in the official ICTV taxonomy, which currently recognizes Enterovirus species EV-A, EV-B, EV-C, and EV-D rather than subgenera.

In proposals that employ enterovirussuvun, the subgenus would group a subset of enteroviruses that infect humans and cause a range of diseases. Membership is inconsistent across sources and no consensus exists about criteria for inclusion, such as serology, genotyping, or sequence similarity thresholds. The concept is mainly encountered in discussions of taxonomy rather than routine diagnostics.

All enteroviruses are small, nonenveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses with a ~7.5 kb genome. They share a single open reading frame encoding a polyprotein that is processed into structural proteins VP1–VP4 and nonstructural proteins. Their genomes have a 5' UTR and a 3' poly(A) tail, and replication occurs in the cytoplasm.

Clinically, enteroviruses cause a broad spectrum from asymptomatic to severe disease, including hand–foot–and–mouth disease, aseptic meningitis, myocarditis, and acute flaccid myelitis. Within the hypothetical enterovirussuvun, disease associations would depend on the specific serotypes included. Transmission is primarily fecal–oral with respiratory spread possible; outbreaks are common in children and crowded settings.

Diagnosis is based on molecular detection by RT-PCR from respiratory or stool specimens, followed by sequencing for typing. There are no broad-spectrum antivirals; management is supportive. Vaccines exist for poliovirus (an enterovirus in EV-C) but not for most other enteroviruses; vaccination strategies influence public health in regions affected by poliovirus.