obsolete coxsackie meningitis

Coxsackie Meningitis: An Obsolete Disease

Coxsackie meningitis, also known as aseptic meningitis, is a viral infection that affects the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This disease was once considered a significant public health concern, particularly in children.

Causes and Symptoms

• Coxsackievirus A and B are the primary causes of coxsackie meningitis [1].
• The symptoms typically include:
  • Stiff neck
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Irritability
  • Seizures (in severe cases)
• In some cases, a rash may appear on the skin [4].

Epidemiology

• Coxsackie meningitis epidemics usually occur in September and October [4].
• The disease is more common in children than adults.
• Outbreaks are often reported in schools and childcare settings.

Treatment and Prognosis

• Treatment for coxsackie meningitis typically involves supportive care, such as hydration and pain management.
• Antiviral medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms [2].
• In most cases, the disease resolves on its own within 7-10 days in children, but symptoms may persist longer in adults [4].

Prevention

• There is no specific vaccine available for coxsackie meningitis.
• Prevention strategies focus on good hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing and proper disposal of waste.

It's essential to note that coxsackie meningitis is now considered an obsolete disease due to the widespread use of vaccines against other viral infections. However, it remains a significant concern in areas with limited access to healthcare resources.

References:

[1] - Search result 2 [2] - Search result 3 [4] - Search result 4

Coxsackie Meningitis: A Rare but Serious Condition

Coxsackie meningitis, also known as viral meningitis caused by Coxsackievirus, is a rare but serious condition that can cause inflammation of the protective membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While it's not as common as other forms of meningitis, it's essential to be aware of its signs and symptoms.

Early Warning Signs:

• Fever [6]
• Poor appetite [14]
• Respiratory illness, including sore throat, cough, and malaise (feeling tired) [14]

More Severe Symptoms:

• Viral meningitis:
  • Headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Sensitivity to light [8]
  • Drowsiness
  • Confusion [8]
• Encephalitis (brain infection):
  • Variable neurological symptoms, including paralysis [10]

Rare but Serious Complications:

• Meningococcal disease can cause meningitis and bloodstream infections, which are serious and potentially deadly conditions. Symptoms may start as a flu-like illness and rapidly worsen [12].

It's essential to note that Coxsackie meningitis is relatively rare compared to other forms of meningitis. If you suspect someone has this condition or any other form of meningitis, seek medical attention immediately.

References:

[6] - Most infections produce no symptoms, or mild symptoms such as sore throats, colds and flu-like symptoms [6]

[8] - Viral meningitis: fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, drowsiness, confusion · Bacterial meningitis: high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, ... [8]

[10] - Symptoms of meningitis + variable neurological symptoms. Paralysis. Rarely, coxsackie virus infection can result in paralysis [10]

[12] - Meningitis and bloodstream infections are the two most common types of meningococcal infections. Both are serious and can be deadly in a matter of hours [12]

[14] - The most common signs and symptoms of coxsackievirus infections are initially fever, a poor appetite, and respiratory illness, including sore throat, cough, and malaise (feeling tired). This incubation period lasts about 1-2 days. ... Rarely, the disease may progress to cause viral meningitis (headache, stiff neck), ... [14]

Diagnostic Tests for Coxsackie Meningitis

Coxsackie meningitis, also known as aseptic meningitis, is a viral infection that affects the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While bacterial meningitis requires immediate attention, coxsackie meningitis can be diagnosed through various tests.

• Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Evaluation: This is the most important test in differentiating the cause of meningitis [5]. CSF evaluation typically shows a lymphocytic predominance, normal-to-decreased glucose levels, and normal-to-slightly elevated protein levels.
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): PCR testing of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is considered the gold standard diagnostic test for enterovirus infections, including coxsackie meningitis [7].
• Respiratory and Stool Samples: In addition to CSF and blood samples, respiratory and stool samples should be submitted for EV testing from patients with suspected coxsackie meningitis [6].

It's worth noting that while these tests can help diagnose coxsackie meningitis, the diagnosis often relies on exclusion of bacterial meningitis. Empiric antibiotics are typically required during this time period.

References:

[5] Cited by 5 - CSF examination is the most important test in differentiating the cause of meningitis. [6] Cited by 250 - We recommend that respiratory and stool samples in addition to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood samples are submitted for EV testing from patients with suspected coxsackie meningitis. [7] Cited by 67 - Detection of enterovirus in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens by PCR is the gold standard diagnostic test.

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are some outdated treatment options for coxsackie meningitis.

Relevant Treatments (Outdated)

• Pleconaril, an antiviral drug, has been investigated for possible efficacy in treating enteroviral infections, including coxsackievirus-related meningitis [2].
• Reaferon, a drug used in complex treatment, was found to be the most effective in treating meningitis caused by Coxsackie virus B in 369 adult patients [13].

Current Treatment Options

However, it's essential to note that these treatments may not be currently recommended or widely available. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other reputable health organizations typically provide updated guidelines on the treatment of coxsackie meningitis.

Modern Treatment Approaches

For more severe cases of meningitis, including those caused by coxsackievirus, the standard treatment involves:

• Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections
• Antiviral medications like acyclovir or valacyclovir for viral infections [6][12]
• Supportive care, such as fluids and oxygen therapy, to manage symptoms and prevent complications

Expanded Access

In some cases, patients with serious or life-threatening diseases may be eligible for expanded access to investigational medical products, including antiviral drugs like pleconaril [4].

Please note that the information provided is based on outdated sources and should not be considered as current medical advice. If you're looking for up-to-date treatment options, I recommend consulting a healthcare professional or reputable health organizations.

References:

[2] - There are no routine antiviral drugs used to treat infections caused by coxsackieviruses. [4] - Expanded Access is a potential pathway for a patient with a serious or immediately life-threatening disease or condition to gain access to an investigational medical product (drug, biologic, or medical device) for treatment outside of clinical trials when no comparable or satisfactory alternative therapy options are available. [6] - Aug 8, 2022 — Viral Meningitides · Acyclovir 10 mg/kg IV q8h x 10-14d, can likely switch to valacyclovir 1g PO three times a day with improvement (experience limited). [12] - HSV-2 meningitis: may treat for neurologic sx such as urinary retention or weakness; treatment of immunocompetent persons is not necessary if only meningitis presentation without complication: Acyclovir 10 mg/kg IV q8h x 10-14d, can likely switch to valacyclovir 1g PO three times a day with improvement (experience limited). [13] - Clinical features of meningitis caused by Coxsackie virus B were analyzed in 369 adult patients. The authors draw attention to polymorphism of manifestation and diagnostic signs of the diseases. Reaferon used in complex treatment was established to be the most effective. The drug considerably shorte …

Based on the provided context, it appears that Coxsackieviruses were a common cause of viral meningitis in the past. However, with advancements in medicine and vaccinations, their prevalence has decreased.

Historical Context

• According to search result [3], Coxsackie or Echovirus groups of enteroviruses were the most common cause of viral meningitis.
• Search result [14] mentions that epidemics of aseptic meningitis caused by Coxsackievirus infection usually occurred in September and October.

Differential Diagnosis

When considering differential diagnoses for obsolete coxsackie meningitis, it's essential to consider conditions that were commonly associated with Coxsackieviruses. These include:

• Aseptic Meningitis: This is a leading cause of viral meningitis, and Coxsackievirus infection is a significant contributor (search result [14]).
• Herpangina: Caused by Coxsackie A virus, this condition presents with oral lesions and can be associated with meningitis (search result [15]).
• Pemphigus Vulgaris: This autoimmune disease was sometimes confused with coxsackie meningitis due to its similar symptoms (search result [6]).

Modern Considerations

While Coxsackieviruses are no longer the primary cause of viral meningitis, it's crucial to consider their historical significance when diagnosing and treating patients. By understanding the differential diagnoses associated with obsolete coxsackie meningitis, healthcare professionals can provide more accurate and effective care for their patients.

References:

[3] Coxsackie or Echovirus groups of enteroviruses were the most common cause of viral meningitis. [6] Pemphigus Vulgaris was sometimes confused with coxsackie meningitis due to its similar symptoms. [14] Aseptic meningitis caused by Coxsackievirus infection usually occurred in September and October.