Enterovirus Infections of the Central Nervous System

Abstract

The genus Enterovirus is a large group of viruses belonging to the family Picornaviridae. They have a worldwide distribution, cause a wide spectrum of disease, and are a common cause of central nervous system disease. Included among the sixty-six enterovirus serotypes known to infect humans are the three poliovirus (PV) serotypes, the cause of paralytic poliomyelitis (PPM). PPM has been controlled in many parts of the world by vaccination. Molecular and functional comparison of PV vaccine strain and wild neurovirulent PV strains has provided an insight into mechanisms of neurovirulence. Enteroviruses are also the most commonly implicated viral agents of aseptic meningitis. Less commonly they cause a more serious encephalitis. Specific antiviral treatment for enterovirus infections is not currently available. Virological diagnosis is nonetheless important to distinguish between enterovirus-induced meningitis or encephalitis and other treatable causes of disease with a similar clinical picture.

Viral Persistence and Chronic Immunopathology in the Adult Central Nervous System following Coxsackievirus Infection during the Neonatal Period

“…Enteroviruses, which include coxsackieviruses, are among the most widespread and medically important human pathogens and remain a frequent cause of CNS disease (44). Indeed, enterovirus infections are the most common causes of encephalitis and meningitis in the United States (11).…”

Identification of a Naturally Processed Cytotoxic CD8 T-Cell Epitope of Coxsackievirus B4, Presented by HLA-A2.1 and Located in the PEVKEK Region of the P2C Nonstructural Protein

“…The most common infections in humans are asymptomatic or result in mild respiratory illness. However, more severe clinical infections may result in meningitis, encephalitis, or acute and chronic myocarditis (3,29,52). Infections peak during summer and early autumn in temperate climates, and transmission occurs from person to person by the fecal-oral route, by contact with infected nose and throat discharges, and by droplet spread.…”

A case of acute retinal pigment epithelitis: spectral domain optical coherence tomography time course and physiopathologic hypothesis

“…They may cause respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, erythema, meningitis, meningoencephalitis, myocarditis, pericarditis, and myositis. 12 There have been several reports of coxsachievirus infections associated with chorioretinitis, unilateral acute idiopathic maculopathy, or monofocal outer retinitis and the lesions described bear some resemblance to ARPE. [13][14][15][16] In the present case, the chronology of the ocular symptoms and the systemic viral infection are in favor of a post viral reaction rather than the ocular manifestation of the viral infection itself.…”