Coxsackievirus
This coxsackievirus was first identified in New York, USA. This virus is a member of the group of enteroviruses and is classified into two groups:
A. Coxsackievirus A
1. Herpangina
2. Acute lymphonodular pharyngitis
3. Hand-foot- mouth disease
4. Acute respiratory illness
B. Coxsackievirus B
1.Pleurodynia
2. Acute aseptic myocarditis
3. Generalized neonatal infection
In my practice, what i commonly see are cases of herpangina , acute respiratory illness and hand-foot – mouth disease. So for this issue, i will discuss again the topic herpangina and hand-foot – mouth disease.
Herpangina is common among infants and this is characterized by acute systemic manifestations and tiny ulcerations inside their mouth. Because of high fever, drooling of saliva, restlessness and poor oral intake, these infants are brought to our clinic for consultations; and, some are admitted in the hospitals due to febrile seizures. The symptoms of this viral infection will abate and healing will occur in 3 to 5 days. The prognosis is good and treatment is symptomatic.
Like herpangina, hand-foot- mouth disease is also an acute self-limited infection. This is very common now among school- aged children. It is characterized by a febrile illness with vesicles in the mouth, at the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. These eruptions may become vesicular which will soon dry up. Just like herpangina, the prognosis of hand-foot- mouth disease is good and treatment is symptomatic.