Coxsackie virus infections

Coxsackie viruses are a group of RNA viruses with over 20 serotypes; depending on specific viral characteristics, these serotypes are further divided into groups A and B. Infection is associated with a wide range of symptoms, which are dependent on the exact serotype. Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) and herpangina are commonly caused by group A coxsackie viruses, while pleurodynia and myocarditis are caused by group B coxsackie viruses. Both groups may cause viral meningitis, conjunctivitis, or flu‑like symptoms. Diagnostic procedures and treatment should be tailored to the specific disease manifestation.

• Worldwide distribution
• Occur in all age groups
• Highest incidence in infants and young children (< 10 years)

References:^[1]

Epidemiological data refers to the US, unless otherwise specified.

• Pathogen: Coxsackie virus
  • Single‑stranded RNA virus
  • Over 20 serotypes, divided into group A and group B coxsackie viruses
  • Genus: Enterovirus
  • Family: Picornaviridae
• Route of transmission
  • Airborne droplets
  • Fecal‑oral route

References:^[1]

• Coxsackie A
  • Herpangina
  • Hand, foot, and mouth disease
    • Characteristics: highly contagious
    • Clinical presentation
      • General symptoms: fever, reduced general condition
      • Skin/mucosa
        • Maculopapular and partially vesicular rash on the hands and feet
        • Oral ulcers
    • Diagnosis: clinical
    • Treatment: symptomatic
    • Prognosis: almost always self‑limiting
• Coxsackie B
  • Myocarditis
  • Pleurodynia
    • Clinical presentation
      • Flu‑like symptoms
      • Sudden thoracic and upper abdominal pain caused by irritation of the pleura and muscles
• Coxsackie A and B
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Viral meningitis
  • Flu‑like symptoms

Coxsackie B is the most common cause of viral myocarditis!

References:^[2][3][4]