Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 14, 2025
EPA Method 1615. Measurement of Enterovirus and Norovirus Occurrence in Water by Culture and RT-qPCR. II. Total Culturable Virus Assay
Published on: September 11, 2016
Enterovirus D-68 Molecular Virology, Epidemiology, and Treatment: an Update and Way Forward
Mahmoud Ahmed Ebada1, Notila Fayed1, Souad Alkanj1
1Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, El-Sharkia, Egypt.
Abstract:
Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus, and it is one of the family members of Picornaviridae. Except for EV-D68, the entire family Picornaviridae has been illustrated in literature. EV-D68 was first discovered and isolated in California, USA, in 1962. EV-D68 has resulted in respiratory disorders' outbreaks among children worldwide, and it has been detected in cases of various neurological diseases such as acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). A recent study documented a higher number of EV-D68 cases associated with AFM in Europe in 2016 compared to the 2014 outbreak. EV-D68 is mainly diagnosed by quantitative PCR, and there is an affirmative strategy for EV-D68 detection by using pan-EV PCR on the untranslated region and/or the VP1 or VP2, followed by sequencing of the PCR products. Serological tests are limited due to cross-reactivity of the antigens between the different serotypes. Many antiviral drugs for EV-D68 have been evaluated and showed promising results. In our review, we discuss the current knowledge about EV-D68 and its role in the development of AFM.
Insights
Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), a Picornaviridae family virus, causes respiratory illness and neurological diseases like acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). This review details EV-D68 knowledge and its link to AFM development.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is a significant member of the Picornaviridae family, first isolated in 1962.
- EV-D68 is associated with widespread respiratory illness outbreaks in children and has been increasingly linked to neurological conditions, notably acute flaccid myelitis (AFM).
- Recent data indicates a rise in EV-D68 associated AFM cases, particularly in Europe.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68).
- To explore the association between EV-D68 and the development of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM).
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on EV-D68.
- Discussion of diagnostic methods including quantitative PCR and pan-EV PCR with sequencing.
- Evaluation of serological test limitations due to antigen cross-reactivity.
Main Results:
- EV-D68 diagnosis primarily relies on molecular methods like quantitative PCR.
- Serological tests for EV-D68 are constrained by cross-reactivity issues.
- Antiviral drug evaluations for EV-D68 have yielded promising outcomes.
Conclusions:
- EV-D68 poses a significant threat, causing both respiratory and neurological diseases.
- Further research into EV-D68 pathogenesis and effective treatments is warranted.
- Understanding the EV-D68-AFM link is crucial for public health interventions.
