[Are enteroviruses the causal agents of acute enteritis in humans?]

Based on assembled data from the literature and oral communications as well as findings in the laboratory, the author concludes that an enteroviral aetiology of diarrhoeal diseases can be taken for granted in many instances. Enteroviral gastritis is not frequent nor serious and is usually not encountered in winter but rather in summer under conditions with a higher standard of hygiene. The ratio of enteroviruses in epidemics of gastroenteritis and in the aetiology of enteritis within the framework of epidemics with other manifestations of enteroviral disease is very variable and there is no generally valid frequency which could serve for orientation. Virological and serological diagnosis of enteroviral diarrhoea would not be expedient in winter, it is, however, useful in summer and in epidemics affecting neonates and young children. In general, less attention is paid to an enteroviral aetiology or diarrhoea, as compared with thorough assessment of an enteroviral aetiology in severe forms of the disease. Attention is drawn to the usefulness of a more detailed investigation of properties of strains of polioviruses isolated from patients with diarrhoea.