Enteric cytopathic human orphan (ECHO) viruses are common viruses that cause gastrointestinal infections and skin rashes. ECHO virus may also be referred to as a nonpolio enterovirus infection.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ECHO viruses depend on what kind of infection is triggered by the virus. Possible conditions include upper respiratory infections, pneumonia, viral pharyngitis, pericarditis, myocarditis, herpangina, encephalitis, croup and aseptic meningitis. Also, the common childhood disease known as hand, foot and mouth disease may be caused by an ECHO virus.
Significance
ECHO viruses are common and usually not serious.
Diagnosis
ECHO viruses can be diagnosed using a throat culture, spinal fluid culture, rectal culture or stool culture.
Treatment
ECHO viruses usually do not cause any serious complications and clear up without treatment. Patients with an impaired immune system may need a dose of intravenous gammaglobulin (IVIG) immune booster to fight infection.
Warning
ECHO viruses can be dangerous for those individuals with an impaired immune system or those individuals who develop heart infections as a result of the virus.
Tags: ECHO viruses, ECHO virus, ECHO viruses common, immune system, impaired immune