Enteroviruses in gastrointestinal diseases.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Virology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Diarrheal diseases cause significant infant morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in developing nations.
• Despite advances, 30-40% of diarrheal cases remain undiagnosed, highlighting the need to identify novel pathogens.
• Enteroviruses are known to transmit via the fecal-oral route and infect intestinal cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To emphasize the importance of recognizing enteroviruses as major gastrointestinal pathogens.
• To highlight the association of enteroviruses with acute and persistent diarrhea in all age groups.
• To validate the causative role of enteroviruses in human diarrhea using Koch's postulates.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing studies on enteroviruses and gastrointestinal diseases.
• Analysis of recent research demonstrating enteroviruses causing diarrhea in newborn mice.
• Systematic evaluation of the evidence supporting enteroviruses as diarrheal agents.

Main Results:

• Enteroviruses have been associated with diarrhea in some studies, but their role was not systematically proven.
• Recent studies, including those in mice, provide evidence validating Koch's postulates for enteroviruses.
• Enteroviruses are implicated in acute and persistent diarrhea and non-diarrheal bowel changes.

Conclusions:

• Enteroviruses should be recognized as significant gastrointestinal pathogens responsible for diarrhea.
• Understanding the role of enteroviruses can lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
• Addressing the burden of enterovirus-associated gastrointestinal disease is crucial for public health.