Enteroviruses at a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia, 1989-1995

Enteroviruses (EVs) are among the most common viral pathogens affecting humans. Enterovirus (EV) infections occur worldwide in temperate climates with a marked summer/fall season and have a high year-round incidence in tropical and subtropical areas. In Saudi Arabia, the epidemiology of enteroviruses is unknown. Of the clinical specimens submitted for diagnosis during a six-year period (1989-1995) at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) in Riyadh, a wide variety of diseases were associated with the isolation of enteroviruses. Among the diseases were herpangina, sepsis-like illness, hand-foot-and-mouth syndrome, laryngotracheitis (croup), aseptic meningitis, pneumonia, and gastrointestinal illness. During the six-year study, a variety of enteroviruses were isolated. Although epidemics were seen in mid-winter and early spring, EV which may cause sporadic diseases were isolated in each of the 12 months. Health care providers must become aware of the epidemic potential not only in mid-winter and early spring, but also throughout the year, as this will aid in the diagnosis and management of this illness.