Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up

Information and Resources

Coxsackie Virus

What is coxsackievirus?

Coxsackievirus is a member of a family of viruses called enteroviruses. Enteroviruses are made up of a single strand of ribonucleic acid (RNA). The enteroviruses are also referred to as picornaviruses (pico means "small," so, "small RNA virues").

Coxsackievirus was first found in the town Coxsackie south of Albany, New York.

Recommended Related to Infectious Diseases

Smallpox

Important It is possible that the main title of the report Smallpox is not the name you expected.

Read the Smallpox article > >

What are the types of coxsackieviruses and what can they cause?

There are two different types of coxsackieviruses: A and B. Type A viruses cause herpangina (sores in the throat) and hand, foot, and mouth disease. Type B viruses cause epidemic pleurodynia, and inflammation in the chest. Both types A and B viruses can cause meningitis (inflammation of the spinal cord or brain), myocarditis(inflammation of the heart muscle), and pericarditis (inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart). They also may have a role in the development of  acute onset juvenile (type 1) diabetes.

WebMD Medical Reference

Reviewed by Eric Johnson, MD on October 27, 2011

Hot Topics

Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

WebMD Video: Now Playing

Click here to wach video: Dirty Truth About Hand Washing

Which sex is the worst about washing up? Why is it so important? We’ve got the dirty truth on how and when to wash your hands.

Click here to watch video: Dirty Truth About Hand Washing

Popular Slideshows & Tools on WebMD

Close up of eye
What's robbing your focus?
Woman sitting in front of UV lights
What you need to know.
Ra Management Get A Personalized Report
Assess your symptoms.
finger blood test
Ask questions and get answers.
Psoriasis
Bumps, rashes, and hives.
nurse helping woman on crutches
How much time to recover?
woman stretching
Must-see diet and fitness info.
fruit drinks
Foods that can help you focus.
child brushing his teeth
Your kids will find them.
man with cold on couch
How to feel better fast.
mother with children in park
Parenting tips for every age.
MS Overview
Recognizing symptoms.

Women's Health Newsletter

Find out what women really need.