Human parechovirus, a viral infection that primarily affects infants and young children, can be spelled phonetically as /ˈhjuː.mən pæ.rɛ.koʊˈvaɪ.rʌs/. The first syllable is pronounced as "hue" with a long "u" sound. The second syllable is "man" with a short "a" sound. The third syllable is "pare" with a short "a" sound and the stress is on the second syllable. The fourth syllable "cho" is pronounced as "ko" with a long "o" sound. The final syllable "virus" is pronounced as "vy-rus".
Human parechovirus (HPeV) is a member of the Picornaviridae family of small, non-enveloped, single-stranded RNA viruses that primarily infect humans. It is characterized by a positive-sense RNA genome and is related to other viruses such as enteroviruses and rhinoviruses. Human parechovirus is known to cause a range of clinical conditions, including mild respiratory infections and gastrointestinal illnesses in both children and adults.
The virus is primarily transmitted through fecal-oral or respiratory routes, but can also be spread through close contact with infected individuals. It has a global distribution and tends to peak during the late summer and early fall seasons. Common symptoms associated with human parechovirus infection include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it may also cause meningitis or encephalitis, leading to more serious neurological complications.
Diagnosis of human parechovirus is typically confirmed through laboratory testing, including nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) like polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or serological testing. Treatment is mainly supportive, focusing on symptom management and providing adequate hydration for the affected individuals. Prevention and control measures involve practicing good hand hygiene, especially after using the toilet and before handling food, as well as avoiding close contact with infected individuals, especially in healthcare settings.
Overall, human parechovirus is an important viral pathogen that can cause a range of clinical conditions, from mild respiratory infections to severe neurological complications, particularly in young children and immunocompromised individuals.
The word "Human parechovirus" is a scientific term composed of several parts:
1. Human: The term "human" refers to the species to which the virus specifically affects, in this case, humans.
2. Parechovirus: The term "parechovirus" is derived from the family name "Picornaviridae" and the genus name "Parechovirus". Picornaviridae is a family of small, single-stranded RNA viruses that includes various groups, such as enteroviruses and rhinoviruses. Parechovirus is a specific genus within the family Picornaviridae, known for its ability to cause various diseases in humans, particularly in infants and young children.