[Myocarditis caused by Coxsackie B viruses in adults]

Two hundred and thirty-eight patients with a clinical and electrocardiographic diagnosis of myocarditis and two control groups were examined for virus-neutralizing antibodies against Coxsackie B1-6 viruses. Serological evidence for preceding Coxsackie infection was demonstrated by 40.9% of myocarditis and in 29.3% of myopericarditis patients. Coxsackie B2 and B4 viruses were the most prevalent. The patients manifested a significant increase in the antibody titer as compared with the control group.