Coxsackievirus: Characteristics and Effects

Coxsackievirus

• Coxsackievirus is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Picornavirus family.
• There are two main types of Coxsackievirus: A and B, which have distinct effects on the body.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

• Coxsackievirus A causes Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, characterized by:
  • Red vesicular rash
  • Fever
  • Ulcers in the mouth and throat
• The disease is most common in summer and affects children.

Herpangina

• Coxsackievirus A also causes Herpangina, a viral infection of the mouth, characterized by:
  • Vesicular ulcerated lesions around the soft palate and uvula
  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Pain on swallowing (common cold symptoms)

Pleurodynia (Bornholm's Disease)

• Coxsackievirus B causes Pleurodynia, also known as "Devil's Grip", characterized by:
  • Abrupt onset of spasmodic pain in the chest
  • Fever
  • Malaise
  • Headaches
• The disease is known for its extreme unilateral sharp pain in the chest.

Cardiovascular Infections

• Coxsackievirus B can cause myocardial and pericardial infections, leading to:
  • Scattered myofiber necrosis
  • Migration of WBC's into the heart
  • Dilated cardiomyopathy

Treatment

• Treatment for Coxsackievirus infections is primarily supportive care.