Echoviruses are a group of small, single-stranded RNA viruses that belong to the genus Enterovirus within the Picornaviridae family. The name "Echovirus" is derived from "enteric cytopathogenic human orphan viruses," reflecting their ability to infect the gastrointestinal tract and their initial discovery as agents causing diseases of unknown origin in humans.
Echoviruses are non-enveloped viruses with an icosahedral capsid, typically measuring about 22-30 nanometers in diameter. They have a positive-sense RNA genome, meaning they can directly serve as a messenger RNA and can be immediately translated into proteins once inside host cells. Echoviruses primarily target human hosts, and there are more than 30 distinct serotypes identified to date.
These viruses are transmitted primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through contaminated food or water, and can cause a spectrum of illnesses ranging from mild febrile illness to severe systemic diseases. Common symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, rash, meningitis, and respiratory or gastrointestinal issues. In many cases, echoviral infections are asymptomatic or result in mild self-limiting illnesses. However, certain serotypes can lead to severe complications, especially in vulnerable populations such as infants, young children, and immunocompromised individuals.
Diagnosis of echovirus infections is typically based on clinical presentation, epidemiological factors, and laboratory tests. Laboratory confirmation can involve detection of viral RNA or viral proteins in samples collected from affected individuals. Prevention and control mainly focus on proper hand hygiene, sanitation, and vaccination against other enteroviruses that may offer cross-protection against echoviruses.
Overall, the study of echoviruses is crucial for understanding and
