Enteroviruses

The enteroviruses comprise a large group of small RNA viruses that cause a broad spectrum of disease. Of the more than 100 types known to infect humans, only the three polioviruses have been successfully controlled by vaccination. Although vaccines are now also in development for enterovirus type 71, the large number of strains precludes this approach for most enterovirus types. Similarly, effective antivirals remain elusive to date. This review updates the current classification of enteroviruses, laboratory aspects of diagnosis and major clinical syndromes.