Select Enterovirus (Enterovirus):
Enteroviruses are a diverse group of small, non-enveloped, single-stranded RNA viruses within the Picornaviridae family, including Polioviruses, Coxsackieviruses, Echoviruses, and other non-polio Enteroviruses (e.g., EV-D68). They are highly common, especially in the summer and autumn months, and are primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route or respiratory droplets.

Diseases caused by Enterovirus:
Enterovirus infections can cause a spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe, systemic disease. Most infections are mild, presenting as a non-specific febrile illness, mild respiratory symptoms (like EV-D68), or a hand-foot-and-mouth rash. Severe manifestations include aseptic meningitis (infection of the meninges), myocarditis (heart infection), and meningo-encephalitis. Of particular concern are strains like EV-D68, which have been linked to a polio-like severe neurological complication called Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP).

Detection and Diagnosis of Enterovirus:
Diagnosis often relies on detecting the viral RNA in clinical specimens. RT-PCR is the gold standard, offering high sensitivity for detecting Enterovirus in cerebrospinal fluid (for meningitis), respiratory samples, or stool. Viral culture can also be performed but is slower. Serological tests are used less often for acute diagnosis but can be valuable for epidemiological surveillance by detecting specific antibody increases (IgM/IgG).