Nonpolio Enterovirus Infections in Neonates

• Published in: Pediatric annals 2015-05, Vol.44 (5), p.e103-e107
• Main Authors: Haston, Julia C, Dixon, Terry C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anatomy; Classification; Enterovirus; Enterovirus Infections - diagnosis; Enterovirus Infections - therapy; Family (Sociological Unit); Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infections; Neonates; Patients; Pregnancy; Viruses; Young Children
• ISSN: 0090-4481; 1938-2359
• DOI: 10.3928/00904481-20150512-09

There are currently 12 species and over 100 serotypes that have been identified in the enterovirus genus, including the coxsackieviruses, echoviruses, and polioviruses. Since their discovery 65 years ago, much has been discovered and continues to be researched regarding the pathogenicity and scope of disease of nonpolio enteroviruses. Like many infections, enteroviruses have been found to affect neonates much differently, and often more severely, than older children and adults. Neonatal infections often cause mild illnesses with nonspecific symptoms, but they may also have severe presentations involving the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hematologic, or central nervous systems. This article provides an overview of what is known about nonpolio enteroviruses in neonates including epidemiology, transmission, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. There are currently 12 species and over 100 serotypes that have been identified in the enterovirus genus, including the coxsackieviruses, echoviruses, and polioviruses. Since their discovery 65 years ago, much has been discovered and continues to be researched regarding the pathogenicity and scope of disease of nonpolio enteroviruses. Like many infections, enteroviruses have been found to affect neonates much differently, and often more severely, than older children and adults. Neonatal infections often cause mild illnesses with nonspecific symptoms, but they may also have severe presentations involving the cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, hematologic, or central nervous systems. This article provides an overview of what is known about nonpolio enteroviruses in neonates including epidemiology, transmission, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. [[ Pediatr Ann . 2015;44(5):e103–e107.]