Coxsackie virus

Throat | General Practice | Coxsackie virus (Disease)


Description

Coxsackie virus is a virus that is part of a family of linear, positive-sense RNA viruses, Picornaviridae and the genus Enterovirus, which also includes poliovirus and echovirus. Enteroviruses are one of the most common and important human pathogens, and ordinarily it is because the viruses are transmitted by the fecal-oral route. Coxsackie viruses resemble in many characteristics with poliovirus.

The more attention has been focused on understanding the nonpolio enteroviruses such as coxsackievirus since there is a control of poliovirus infections in much of the world.

Coxsackie viruses are separable into two groups, A and B, which are based on their effects on newborn mice (Coxsackie A results in muscle injury, paralysis, and death; Coxsackie B results in organ damage but less severe outcomes. ) There are over 24 different serotypes of the virus (having distinct proteins on the viral surface). Coxsackie viruses infect host cells and cause host cells to break open (lyse).

Symptoms include: rash on hands and feet, ulcers in mouth, fever, fussiness.

Causes and Risk factors

Both types of viruses (A and B) can cause meningitis, myocarditis, and pericarditis, but these occur infrequently from Coxsackie infections. Coxsackie virus is a viral infection that usually begins in the throat. It can also involve the skin, upper palate, tonsils, gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system. Infants and young children (under 3 years) are affected.

The disease is most often caused by the Coxsackie virus A16. Coxsackie virus is a type of enterovirus. Other enteroviruses can also cause hand, foot and mouth disease. The disorder gets its name because it causes a red rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet along with painful blisters in the mouth.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Treatment for Coxsackie virus includes: acetaminophen (Tylenol), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn) and oral fluids. ...