What is coxsackie virus?
In the Coxsackievirus are uncoated single (+) - strand RNA virus [ss (+) RNA] of the genus Enterovirus and family Picornaviridae with strains A (CVA) and B (CVB), the two different virus species are associated with the Human enterovirus A and B. The Coxsackievirus elicit primarily colds, viral meningitis and myocarditis. These viruses were named after the place Coxsackie in New York, where they were first identified in 1948.
Characteristics
These pathogens include Coxsackievirus A1-22,24 and Coxsackievirus B1-6. Man poses for these viruses represent a reservoir host to which the pathogens are already heavily customized. Therefore triggered by these pathogens diseases also show people with already damaged only a small lethality.
Dissemination
The pathogens are found worldwide. So an epidemic with the Coxsackievirus occurred in 1997 in Malaysia, where in three months a total of 30 children died.
These pathogens were also performed in April 2002 in Greece for the closure of all schools. As Aristotle University in Thessaloniki told, at that time a total of 46 children and adults have been infected, three of whom died. The causative agent of this epidemic it was known as B strain of the virus, which had among other things, a heart muscle inflammation (myocarditis) triggered by those concerned.
Transmission
People become infected usually via contaminated food and water, and - similar to flu viruses - by droplet infection ie direct inhalation of Expirationströpfchen (Ausatmungströpfchen) of infected persons, or via contact infection or smear infection with the viruses of the fallen on objects or body surfaces infectious Expirationströpfchen if they subsequently through the mucous membranes such as enter the mouth, nose or eyes in the body.
Mediated diseases
Coxsackievirus infection, in addition to flu-like symptoms and occasionally meningitis (meningitis), and - as in Greece 2002 - to the heart muscle inflammation (myocarditis) lead.
The Coxsackievirus can also cause the so-called hand-foot-mouth disease. This is an epidemic disease with blistering and ulceration. The incubation period is four to eight days. Mainly affects children under 10 years. As a sign of disease occur bubbles, which are usually found on the hands and feet, or occasionally nodular (papular) rash on my thighs and mouth ulcers. Coxsackieviruses may vary depending on serotype but also meningitis, herpangina, encephalitis, pericarditis, hepatitis, inter alia, trigger. Furthermore, can cause infection with Coxsackievirus of groups A and B, especially in the summer months, acute diarrheal diseases ("Sommerdiarrhoe").
The Coxsackievirus B is also implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus type 1. Presumed mechanism here is molecular mimicry between the glutamate and the viral protein P2-C.
The so-called Bornholm disease is also caused by Coxsackievirus group B. See: pleurodynia epidemic.