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What is Coxsackievirus A16?

Published in Virology 2 mins read

Coxsackievirus A16 is a common enterovirus and the most frequent cause of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in the United States.

Understanding Coxsackievirus A16 and HFMD

Here's a breakdown of Coxsackievirus A16 and its role in HFMD:

  • Enterovirus Family: Coxsackievirus A16 belongs to the enterovirus family, a group of viruses that can cause a variety of illnesses.

  • Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD): It is primarily known for causing HFMD, a common viral infection that mainly affects infants and children under 5 years of age, but can occur in adults.

  • Symptoms: HFMD caused by Coxsackievirus A16 typically presents with the following symptoms:

    • Fever
    • Reduced appetite
    • Sore throat
    • Painful sores in the mouth (herpangina)
    • Rash with small blisters on the hands, feet, and sometimes buttocks

  • Transmission: Coxsackievirus A16 spreads easily through:

    • Direct contact with saliva, nasal secretions, blister fluid, or stool of an infected person
    • Respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes
    • Contact with contaminated surfaces

  • Severity: Typically, HFMD caused by Coxsackievirus A16 is mild and self-limiting, resolving within 7-10 days. However, some strains of enteroviruses, like Coxsackievirus A6 and Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71), can cause more severe symptoms and complications.

  • Diagnosis: Diagnosis is usually based on clinical symptoms.

  • Treatment: There is no specific antiviral treatment for Coxsackievirus A16. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms:

    • Pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen) for fever and pain
    • Topical anesthetics for mouth sores
    • Ensuring adequate hydration

  • Prevention: Preventative measures include:

    • Frequent handwashing
    • Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
    • Disinfecting contaminated surfaces

While Coxsackievirus A16 is the most common culprit behind HFMD in the US, it's important to remember that other enteroviruses, such as Coxsackievirus A6 and Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71), can also cause the disease, sometimes with more severe manifestations.

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