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Coxsackievirus experimental heart diseases.
1Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA. gauntt@uthscsa.edu
Frontiers in Bioscience : a Journal and Virtual Library
|November 29, 2002
Summary
Myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart, is often caused by viruses like coxsackievirus B. While acute cases recover, chronic forms can lead to serious heart conditions and death.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Myocarditis is a heart inflammation often triggered by viral infections.
- Coxsackievirus group B (CVB), especially coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), are significant causes of myocarditis in the U.S.
- Disease factors include gender bias, age, and genetic background, affecting individuals from infancy to adulthood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the frequency and contributing factors of viral myocarditis.
- To explore the mechanisms behind acute and chronic myocarditis development.
- To understand why current immunosuppressive treatments are ineffective.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on viral myocarditis.
- Analysis of coxsackievirus B (CVB) and coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) mouse models.
- Detection of viral RNA in heart biopsy specimens using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays.
Main Results:
- CVB infections, particularly CVB3, are major causes of myocarditis.
- CVB3-murine models mimic human acute and chronic myocarditis, revealing virus-induced and immune reactions in heart tissue.
- Certain immune responses to CVB3 infection can be detrimental, explaining treatment ineffectiveness.
Conclusions:
- Viral infections, especially CVB, are key causes of myocarditis.
- Understanding the interplay of viral and immune factors is crucial for myocarditis pathogenesis.
- Current treatments focus on supportive care due to complex immune responses.