To date, a whole group of infectious agents, known collectively as the "Coxsackie virus", is known. The virus in adults can cause a wide variety of diseases, even deadly ones. There is no vaccine for it, nor is there a drug designed to destroy this particular pathogen. Basic preventive measures include thorough hand washing and the need to cover your mouth with a handkerchief or at least with your palm when coughing and sneezing.
Causes
The described infection belongs to the genus enteroviruses. Two groups of microorganisms are known (A and B), each of which is divided into several serotypes. Gastric juice is not able to destroy the pathogenic flora called Koksaki. The virus in adults causes characteristic symptoms within a couple of days after penetration into the body. The greatest risk of infection persists during the first week of illness, but there is a risk of infection one week after the symptoms disappear. The longest virus is parasitic in the organisms of children and people with weakened immunity.
Spread
Infection is transmitted from person to person. The virus is present in the secrets and body fluids of patients and can be spread by contact with the secretion of the respiratory tract. If an infected person rubs his nose (and a runny nose is characteristic of the disease) and touches an object, the virus will remain on the surface of this object and it will turn into a source of infection. It is enough for a healthy person to touch the infected thing, and then to the mouth or nose to contribute to the spread of the disease.
People with an eye infection (conjunctivitis) can infect others by touching their eyes and objects. Conjunctivitis develops very quickly and can occur on the first day of infection. Pathogenic microorganisms are present in feces, which is the reason for the spread of infection among children in nurseries where diapers are used.
Symptoms
Most often, an asymptomatic infection caused by the causative agent of Koksaki is found. The virus in adults can cause a common cold or skin rash (especially in the summer months). Among the relatively common symptoms, diarrhea and sore throat, similar to that observed in acute pharyngitis, should also be noted.
There are more severe manifestations of the infection, but they are much less common. These are signs of a virus infection such as meningitis (inflammation of the membranes of the spinal cord or brain), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), pleuralgia (chest pain), and myopericarditis (inflammation of the heart). The most dangerous symptoms of infection are observed in newborns.
Respiratory diseases
Coxsackie virus most often causes a febrile upper respiratory tract infection with sore throat and runny nose. Some people have a cough, which is usually observed with bronchitis. Less commonly, the virus causes pneumonia.
Skin rash
Skin rashes can also indicate infection. Most often, this is a nonspecific multiple red rash (urticaria) or small clusters of even red spots. In most cases, the rash appears during the recovery period. Although its appearance often resembles a light sunburn, it does not tend to peeling.
Small soft blisters, as well as red spots on the palms, soles of the feet and inside the mouth, can also be caused by the Coxsackie virus. The virus in adults, however, rarely takes this form; the listed symptoms are more often observed in children under ten years of age. This is a relatively mild disease that does not require treatment.
Conjunctivitis (conjunctival inflammation)
Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis causes swelling of the eye and hemorrhage in the protein. Usually an infection affects both organs of vision. Conjunctivitis patients complain of a sensation of a foreign object in the eye or a burning pain. Symptoms go away within a week.
Meningitis
Viral meningitis - inflammation of the membranes of the spinal cord or brain - can be caused by some types of the infection in question. Coxsackie virus in adults can provoke the development of so-called aseptic meningitis, since cultures of cerebrospinal fluid cells indicate the absence of an increase in the number of bacteria (this is only because studies of cultures help to identify bacteria, not viruses). Patients with this disease complain of headache and fever, accompanied by stiff neck. A skin rash may also appear. Febrile cramps are more common in children than in adults, but the latter often suffer from a feeling of fatigue that lasts weeks after recovery.
In rare cases, the virus also causes inflammation of the brain (meningoencephalitis). Patients lose their sense of orientation in time and space, can fall into lethargy. A characteristic symptom of this disease is an increase in body temperature.
Weakness and paralysis
Coxsackie is an adult virus whose symptoms include rare disorders such as weakness in the upper or lower extremities and even partial paralysis. These signs are comparable to the symptoms of poliomyelitis, but they are far from being so intense. Paralysis or weakness can follow an attack of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis or appear as independent signs of infection. Important! The type of enterovirus in question does not cause permanent paralysis and weakness.
Pleurodynia
Pleurodinia is an inflammation of the muscles in the chest. It is associated with pleuralgia - unexpected bouts of acute chest pain that intensifies with a deep breath. Pain can also be localized in the abdominal cavity. Sensations take the form of waves or cramps. Pleurodinia usually resolves on its own within about five days, but seizures can recur after 7-14 days.
Myopericarditis
Myopericarditis is one of the most dangerous signs of infection with the pathogen Koksaki. The virus in adults (the symptoms that occur most often are listed above), fortunately, rarely causes such disorders. Myopericarditis is an inflammation of the heart and its membrane, and the patient's condition can be either mild or severe. In the latter case, the disease can lead to heart failure, heart attack, or death. Most often, myopericarditis is observed in young patients who lead an active lifestyle. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and swollen legs. Heart damage can be incurable.
Diagnostics
If, when diagnosing another disease, the doctor detects a Coxsackie infection (virus), treatment in adults is often not even required, especially if this condition is asymptomatic. If its only sign is a cold or skin rash, specialists, as a rule, do not even prescribe diagnostic tests. If conjunctivitis is detected, the doctor is likely to examine the eyes with a manual ophthalmoscope in order to confirm the alleged diagnosis. If the patient has a sore throat, it will be necessary to take a smear for analysis to differentiate acute pharyngitis.
For aseptic meningitis, the doctor will take a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (through a procedure such as spinal puncture.) Most patients with this disorder show an increase in the number of white cells in the biomaterial along with normal sugar levels and normal or slightly elevated protein levels. These changes in the composition of the liquid, although unpleasant, are still not as dangerous as the signs of bacterial meningitis. A sample of cerebrospinal fluid is examined for the presence of the causative agent of Coxsackie infection in it. The virus (treatment in adults in this case must be prescribed by a specialist) can also be detected by the rapid polymerase chain reaction method. This method identifies 66-90 percent of infections.
Myopericarditis is a dangerous condition and requires diagnosis using an electrocardiogram (ECG) and ultrasound of the heart (echocardiogram). An electrocardiogram shows rhythm disturbances caused by an enlarged heart, and also helps to identify the inflammatory process. An echocardiogram shows the specific size of the organ and allows you to judge the qualitative indicators of its functioning. In addition, the results of this study can determine whether there is fluid around the heart. Blood tests are taken to assess the condition of other internal organs.
Treatment
Although infection is most common in young children, doctors often diagnose the Coxsackie virus in adults. Symptoms and treatment of the disease in some cases are similar to signs and treatment of infection in children. Unfortunately, at the moment there is no specific drug aimed at the destruction of this particular pathogenic microflora. On the other hand, the human immune system is almost always able to independently destroy the Coxsackie virus. Prevention and treatment in adults only matter when it comes to severe damage to the body. Unfortunately, with serious complications, doctors can only suggest elimination of the consequences of infection - the fight directly with the virus is still in the field of experimental medicine. So, according to the results of some studies, the condition of patients improves after intravenous administration of immunoglobulin produced from human serum containing antibodies.
Thus, the symptoms and consequences of infection are treated depending on the specific signs of the disease. Myopericarditis, for example, is accompanied by a deterioration in the functioning of the heart, which contributes to a decrease in blood pressure, which is why in this condition it is necessary to take appropriate medications to normalize the pressure. In emergency cases, heart transplantation is indicated.
Home treatment
With a sluggish infection, even at home, it is possible to cure the Coxsackie virus in adults. How to treat this disease? To get rid of pain and fever, take "Acetaminophen", "Ibuprofen" and similar drugs. Any over-the-counter medication can be used if it relieves the symptoms of a cold (decongestants or cough syrup), but they do not bring recovery and can cause side effects, such as drowsiness or dry mouth.
Prevention
What needs to be done to not catch the Coxsackie virus? Prevention in adults involves frequent hand washing - this applies to both sick and healthy people. It is not necessary to use special gels containing alcohol - just plain water and soap are enough. When sneezing or coughing, you should cover your mouth with your palm, and preferably with a handkerchief. Diapers along with their contents must be carefully folded and discarded as soon as possible. Surfaces (e.g. furniture) must be kept clean. Contaminated items are recommended to be treated with disinfectants. For this purpose, ordinary household bleach is suitable - one tablespoon of the substance is diluted in four glasses of water. Koksaki virus in adults (photos showing signs of pathology are presented on the page) can be easily prevented if the above preventive measures are followed.