Enterovirus infection includes a whole group of diseases caused by enteroviruses. The very name of the infection - “enterovirus” - is a general one for numerous representatives of intestinal viruses. It is the intestine that serves as a refuge 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 serotypes of Coxsackie A viruses and 6 serotypes of Coxsackie B viruses.
- Polioviruses having three subtypes.
- Enteroviruses 68-71 type.
- 32 (Serovar) Entero Cytopathic Humen Orphan (ECHO viruses)
Enteroviruses persist for a long time (up to a month) in the external environment (soil, water and food). This is due to the diversity of virus populations, supported by natural selection, ensuring their adaptability and survival in any environmental conditions. Pathogens in the human body multiply and accumulate.
A sick person or a virus carrier is the main source of the disease. The infection is transmitted by the oral-fecal, airborne route, through close contact, as well as by the hereditary route: 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 penetrates the blood and spreads throughout the body. It manifests itself as symptoms of various diseases, justifying the expression: "where it is thin, there it breaks."
Symptoms
Viruses cannot multiply without the help of body cells, this is their main biological feature. Penetrating into a certain type of cell, they turn it into a mechanism for the production of viruses. A cell cannot simultaneously work on a virus and an organism, hence the appearance of very specific symptoms of various forms of the disease. Various forms and corresponding symptoms are described below.
Respiratory form - catarrhal
- with a runny nose and stuffy nose;
- with poor digestion;
- with the presence of a rare dry cough.
After one to two weeks, characteristic symptoms disappear, and treatment for enterovirus infection is not particularly required.
Intestinal form -
gastroenteric
- stomach ache;
- frequent watery stools;
- bloating and vomiting;
- decreased appetite and weakness;
- heat.
Most often, 1-3 days is an enterovirus infection in children. Komarovsky Evgeny Olegovich - candidate of medical sciences, pediatrician - discussing this topic in his books, forums and TV shows, especially emphasizes the danger of illness in young children (up to a year) because of the possibility of dehydration.
Enterovirus fever
It is rarely diagnosed. It manifests itself as an increase in temperature. Characteristic symptoms are absent, and treatment for enterovirus infection is not required.
Enterovirus exanthema
The following symptoms are present:
- spotted pink rash;
- acute, with purulent inclusions, tonsillitis and pharyngitis;
- conjunctivitis.
Enterovirus infection can lead to the following complications:
- Lesions of the nervous system (the development of meningitis, encephalitis and polyradiculoneuritis, facial neuritis).
- Lesions 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 the recommendations for the prevention of the disease are aimed at eradicating the infection. Antiviral drugs - interferons are used, symptomatic therapy (painkillers, antispasmodics, antiemetic drugs) is performed.
Drinking plenty of water and cool, moist air are the best help.
In severe cases, it is necessary to hospitalize the patient.