Sporadic cases associated with non polio enteroviruses studied in Lombardy between 1965 and 1972

The results of virological investigations on 492 sporadic cases with a clinical diagnosis compatible with an enterovirus etiology studied in Lombardy between 1965 and 1972 are reported. A recent infection with non polio enteroviruses was established in 54 patients, mostly children under 4 years of age. Coxsackie viruses group A were prevalent being associated with 38 cases; echoviruses were involved in 13 cases, Coxsackie B viruses only in 3 instances. The frequency of isolation was highest from patients with paralytic illnesses either spinal or facial palsy than from patients with other diagnosis.