[Enterovirus infections diagnosed in middle Norway during the period 1992-2001]

Enteroviruses comprise polioviruses, coxsackieviruses, ECHO viruses and the newer enteroviruses. Poliovirus is now declared eradicated from Europe, but viruses from the other three groups are still frequent causes of human diseases, ranging from mild upper respiratory infections to multi-organ failure.

We present a survey of 438 patients with enteroviral diseases diagnosed from 1992 to 2001. Enteroviral infections were diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction, isolation by tissue culture, and in a few cases by electron microscopy. Clinical information was gathered from referral forms and patient files. 172 of the isolates were typed.

Meningitis, gastroenteritis, respiratory disease and fever were the most frequent diseases. ECHO virus 30, ECHO virus 6 and coxsackievirus A16 were the most common serotypes. 33 % of patients were younger than two years of age.

Our clinical data demonstrate the wide spectrum of diseases that enterovirus infections may cause. We have found a relatively high proportion of patients with encephalitis. The association between enterovirus and gastroenteritis is discussed. Enteroviruses are the most common cause of aseptic meningitis; enterovirus polymerase chain reaction should be performed routinely when dealing with this disease. Our data also illustrate the superior sensitivity of polymerase chain reaction compared to culture, though culturing is still needed as a source of supplementary information.