[Enterovirus 71: epidemiology and diagnostics].

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Epidemiology
• Neurology

Context:

• Enterovirus type 71 (EV71) emerged in the 1970s causing poliomyelitis-like illnesses.
• Recent decades show EV71 outbreaks in Southeast Asia, presenting as foot-and-mouth disease with neurological complications.
• The 2008 Chinese epidemic registered over 60,000 cases, including 38 fatalities, underscoring the virus's significant public health impact.

Purpose:

• This review examines the epidemiology of EV71 infections.
• It also discusses the laboratory diagnostic methods for EV71-related diseases.

Summary:

• EV71 has a history of causing severe neurological diseases, evolving from polio-like presentations to foot-and-mouth disease-like syndromes.
• Epidemiological data from recent outbreaks, particularly the large 2008 epidemic in China, are crucial for understanding transmission and disease burden.
• Effective laboratory diagnostics are essential for timely identification and management of EV71 infections.

Impact:

• Understanding EV71 epidemiology and diagnostics is vital for controlling outbreaks and mitigating severe neurological sequelae.
• This review provides insights for public health strategies and clinical management of EV71 infections.
• The findings contribute to the broader knowledge of enterovirus pathogenesis and disease prevention.