Infectious disease

Coxsackievirus B1 infection

Coxsackievirus B1 infection is an infection caused by an RNA virus belonging to the Picornaviridae family, of the enterovirus type, group B, serotype 1. There is two groups of Coxsackievirus: A with 23 serotypes, and B with 6 serotypes. The transmission of the virus occurs through contact with infected feces or respiratory secretions. The symptoms are usually those characteristic of a mild flu and/or gastrointestinal ailments, although on other occasions it can lead to more serious infections, such as Bornholm's disease, myocarditis, pericarditis or aseptic meningitis. In some cases, the infection can become chronic. The treatment only serves to lessen the symptoms (antipyretics, analgesics and anti-inflammatories), and as a prevention it is recommended to maintain good hygiene. The diagnosis of Coxsackievirus B1 infection is made by detecting antibodies against the disease, cultures or PCR.

Coxsackievirus B infections account for nearly a quarter of all enterovirus infections, with serotype 1 predominating. Originally from the United States, the disease is currently spreading worldwide.