[Importance of enteroviruses in neuropaediatrics: from polioviruses to other enteroviruses]

Enteroviruses are among the most common human viruses around the world. More than 100 different serotypes that can cause a range of clinical pathologies have been identified, although the most frequent are those that affect the central nervous system, such as aseptic meningitis, encephalitis or paralysis, which in some cases can be very severe or even fatal. In recent years, enterovirus outbreaks associated to new diseases have been reported all over the world, and as a result some serotypes have been considered 'emerging' pathogens. Yet, our knowledge about these viruses, especially about the non-polio enteroviruses that produce neuropathologies, is still limited. Surveillance systems are crucial to understand the epidemiology of the infections due to enterovirus and to be able to take appropriate action to deal with future outbreaks or epidemics.