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ECHO virus type 9 exanthem
ECHO virus type 9 exanthem
Antibodies
Antibodies

ECHO virus infection
Definition:
ECHO infection is a group of infections caused by one of several types of ECHO viruses. This can cause a wide range of diseases including rashes, respiratory illness, croup-like syndromes, and non-specific fevers.
Alternative Names:
Nonpolio Enterovirus infection
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:


ECHO viruses belong to a group of viruses called Enterovirus. ECHO virus infections are not uncommon. ECHO virus infections most commonly take the form of gastrointestinal infection and skin rashes.

More serious infections are seen less frequently, but are of significant importance. As many as 1 out of 5 cases of aseptic meningitis (meningitis not caused by bacteria) is thought to be caused by ECHO virus.
Symptoms:
Different types of ECHO viruses cause a wide variety of diseases. Symptoms vary with the type of disease produced and can be found under the various different diagnoses:

Signs and tests:
See the individual diagnoses for specific tests. ECHO virus can be isolated from throat, stool, and rectal swabs. It is also isolated readily from spinal fluid.
Treatment:
ECHO virus infections tend to be self-limiting. No specific anti-viral medications are available for ECHO virus infection at this time. However, a new drug called pleconaril is currently undergoing clinical trials. IVIG is sometimes given to immunocompromised patients with severe infections.
Expectations (prognosis):
Recovery without intervention is expected in less severe types of illness. Diseases such as pericarditis and myocarditis may cause severe disease and occasionally be fatal.
Complications:
Complications vary with the site and type of infection. Myocarditis and pericarditis may be fatal while other types of infection improve spontaneously.
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms suggestive of any of the diseases listed above.
Prevention:
No specific preventive measures are available for ECHO virus infections. Currently, no vaccines are available.
Review Date: 8/20/2001
Reviewed By: Elizabeth Hait, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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