Epidemiological and clinical review on the current knowledge of EV-D68

Abstract

Еnterovirus D68 (EV-D68) is a unique non-polio enterovirus, first identified in 1962. The wide spread of the virus in recent years has posed a threat to public health. EV-D68 typically causes respiratory illness, which can be mild (like a common cold) or more severe. The studies have demonstrated the potential for EV-D68 to induce neurological disease. Epidemiologic data support an association of EV-D68 with the acute flaccid myelitis (AFM)/ acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), although the mechanism remains unclear. AFM a rare, but serious neurological condition. Children are at the greatest risk of severe infection and most cases occur in children under the age of 5. EV-D68 can be detected in respiratory specimens and rarely in cerebrospinal fluid.