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Enter the World of Viruses: Do You Know How Many Types of Human Enteroviruses There Are?
Enteroviruses are a family of positive-strand, single-stranded RNA viruses that are associated with several human and mammalian diseases. This type of virus is named after its route of transmission through the intestines. The word "gut" refers to the intestines. Based on serological studies with antibody neutralization tests, 71 human enterovirus types have been distinguished, while several genotypic variants have also been defined within multiple serotypes.
These viruses were originally classified into four groups based on their etiology in humans and animals: poliovirus, Coxshakyi A virus (CA), Coxshakyi B virus (CB), and enteroviruses . As research progressed, scientists also realized that there was significant overlap between the biological properties of these viruses.
Millions of people around the world are affected by enteroviruses every year, and these viruses are often found in respiratory secretions (such as saliva, sputum or nasal mucus) and in the feces of patients.
Poliomyelitis was once the most important disease caused by enteroviruses. According to the latest research, there are 81 non-polio enteroviruses and 3 polio enteroviruses that can cause illness in humans. Among the 81 non-poliomyelitis types, there are 22 types of Koxakia virus, 6 types of Kokoshaki B virus, 28 types of enterovirus, and 25 types of other enteroviruses.
Virology of Enterovirus
Enteroviruses belong to the Adenoviridae family, a large family of picornaviruses, which are characterized by a single positive-strand genomic RNA. The genomes of all enteroviruses are approximately 7500 bases in length and have high mutation rates due to low-fidelity replication and frequent recombination. Upon infection of the host cell, the genome is translated in a cap-free manner into a single polyprotein, which is subsequently processed by virus-encoded proteases into structural capsid proteins and nonstructural proteins primarily involved in viral replication.
In the evolution of enteroviruses, RNA recombination is considered to be an important driving force and a source of shaping their genetic architecture. This phenomenon has led scientists to worry about vaccination strategies.
Enterovirus members
The enterovirus group includes multiple types. Enterovirus A includes Kokoshaki virus A2, A3, A4, etc., and Kokoshaki A16 virus can cause hand, foot and mouth disease in humans. Enterovirus B includes the Kokoshakyi B virus, which is prevalent around the world and may cause serious diseases such as myocarditis and pericarditis. Enterovirus C includes poliovirus. These three types of poliovirus are highly contagious to humans and have caused major public health concern.
Enterovirus infection usually presents with a range of symptoms, including mild respiratory infection, hand, foot and mouth disease, acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis and aseptic meningitis.
Diseases caused by enterovirus
Enterovirus infections cause a wide range of diseases, including common colds, meningitis, myocarditis, etc., and some patients can have serious consequences. The number of infections caused by non-polio enteroviruses in the United States is estimated to be as high as 15 million annually, including tens of thousands of hospitalizations.
The current treatment method is mainly supportive treatment and dealing with symptoms.
Potentially relevant research
Recent research plans to explore whether enteroviruses are related to certain autoimmune diseases (such as type 1 diabetes) and try to clarify the possible pathogenic mechanisms of enteroviruses in these diseases.
Many researchers are investigating the possible link between enteroviruses and chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), which has also attracted widespread public attention.
Conclusion
A deeper understanding of the diversity of enteroviruses and the diseases they cause will help improve public health strategies and early diagnosis. Have you ever considered the risks you and those around you may face from enterovirus, and how to effectively prevent these potential health threats?
