Coxsackie A virus is a cytolytic virus of the Picornaviridae family, an enterovirus (a group containing the polioviruses, coxsackieviruses, and echoviruses). There are 61 non-polio enteroviruses that can cause disease in humans, of them 23 are Coxsackie A viruses (6 are Coxsackie B viruses). Enterovirus are the second most common viral infectious agents in humans (after the rhinoviruses)

Discovery

The virus was first documented in 1948 during an investigation into polio; it was named after the settlement in which it was found, Coxsackie, New York.

Diseases

The most well known Coxsackie A disease is hand, foot and mouth disease (unrelated to foot and mouth disease), a common childhood illness, often produced by Coxsackie A16. In most cases infection is asymptomatic or causes only mild symptoms. In others, infection produces short-lived (7-10 days) fever and painful blisters in the mouth (a condition known as herpangina...herp (an itching) and angina (a sore throat, literally "a choking")), on the palms and fingers of the hand, or on the soles of the feet. There can also be blisters in the throat, or on or above the tonsils. Other diseases include acute haemorrhagic conjunctivitis (A24 specifically), herpangina, and aseptic meningitis (both Coxsackie A and B viruses).

Coxsackie B viruses also cause infectious myocarditis, infectious pericarditis, and pleurodynia.

Diagnosis

To diagnose myocarditis, a heart biopsy is done.

Treatment

If you have the Coxsakie virus, it's a good idea to get plently of rest and drink lots of fluids. Since it is viral, there is nothing you can do to make it go away. Sucking on throat lozenges and avoiding acidic food or drinks can also help the pain. The virus usually goes away in a week or so, and if it doesn't seem to go away, check with your doctor.

See also

• Bornholm disease
• Coxsackie B

PicornavirusesInfectious diseasesPediatrics

Coxsackie