enterovirus

Enteroviruses are a genus of picornaviruses that typically inhabit the gastrointestinal tract but can infect other tissues, including the nervous system and muscles. This group includes well-known viruses such as poliovirus, Coxsackievirus, and echovirus.1

These viruses are small, RNA viruses, measuring between 20 to 30 nanometers in diameter. They are transmitted from person to person, often through contaminated materials, and are particularly prevalent in conditions with less-than-ideal hygiene.23

While many viruses do not cause disease, enteroviruses can lead to various illnesses. For instance, certain enteroviruses cause herpangina, a mild infection common in young children, characterized by sores in the mouth. Other enteroviruses can cause more severe conditions, including meningitis, paralysis, or even affect the central nervous system.324