Enterovirus infection refers to a whole group of diseases caused by enteroviruses. The very name of the infection - "enterovirus" - is generalizing for numerous representatives of intestinal viruses. It is the intestines that serve as a haven and "home" for many of them, from where their path lies in the blood and internal organs. Symptoms and treatment of enterovirus infection are completely dependent on the form of the disease.
Epidemiology of the disease, causes and pathogenesis
Intestinal enteroviruses include:
- 23 Coxsackie "A" serotypes and 6 Coxsackie "B" serotypes.
- Polioviruses with three subtypes.
- Enteroviruses 68-71 type.
- 32 (serovar) Entero Cytopathic Humen Orphan (ECHO viruses)
Enteroviruses for a long time (up to a month) persist in the external environment (soil, water and food). itdue to the diversity of virus populations supported by natural selection, which ensures their adaptability and survival in any environmental conditions. Pathogens multiply and accumulate in the human body.
A sick person or a virus carrier is the main source of the disease. The infection is transmitted by oral-fecal, airborne, by close contact, and also by heredity: if an enterovirus infection is present in pregnant women, then there is a high risk of congenital infection in the fetus.
Getting on the mucous membrane of the human body, multiplying and causing inflammation, the virus enters the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body. It manifests itself as symptoms of various diseases, justifying the expression: “where it is thin, it breaks there.”
Symptoms
Viruses cannot reproduce without the help of body cells, this is their main biological feature. Penetrating inside a certain type of cell, they turn it into a mechanism for the production of viruses. The cell cannot simultaneously work for the virus and for the body, hence the appearance of very specific symptoms of various forms of the disease. The various forms and associated symptoms are described below.
Respiratory form - catarrhal
- with runny nose and stuffy nose;
- with mild digestive disorders;
- with the presence of a rare dry cough.
After one to two weeks, the characteristic symptoms disappear, and the treatment of enterovirus infection is especiallynot required.
Intestinal –Gastroenteric
- abdominal pain;
- frequent watery stools;
- bloating and vomiting;
- appetite loss and weakness;
- high temperature.
Most often, enterovirus infection occurs in children for 1-3 days. Komarovsky Yevgeny Olegovich - Candidate of Medical Sciences, pediatrician - discussing this topic in his books, forums and TV shows, he especially notes the danger of disease in young children (up to a year old) due to the possibility of dehydration.
Enterovirus fever
Rarely diagnosed. Manifested by an increase in temperature. There are no characteristic symptoms and treatment for enterovirus infection is not required.
Enterovirus exanthema
The following signs are present:
- pink patchy rash;
- acute, with purulent inclusions, tonsillitis and pharyngitis;
- conjunctivitis.
Enterovirus infection can lead to the following complications:
- Nervous system lesions (development of meningitis, encephalitis and polyradiculoneuritis, neuritis of the facial nerve).
- Disorders of the cardiovascular system (myocarditis and encephalomyocarditis in newborns).
Treatment
Regardless of the disease to which the symptoms appear, both the treatment of enterovirus infection and recommendations for the prevention of the disease are aimed at eradicating the infection. Antiviral drugs - interferons are used, it is carried outsymptomatic therapy (painkillers, antispasmodics, antiemetics).
Drinking plenty of water and cool moist air is the best help.
In severe cases, it is necessary to hospitalize the patient.
