Coronaviridae: The Coronaviruses

Abstract

Disease: Respiratory illness; possibly infant gastroenteritis. Etiologic Agents: HCV 229E, OC43; HECV. Source: Respiratory secretions/fomites; presumably fecal for HECV. Clinical Manifestations: Upper respiratory illness, coryza, fever; rare lower respiratory tract disease; possible gastroenteritis. Pathology: Typical viral upper respiratory infection with inclusions. Laboratory Diagnosis: Indirect fluorescent antibody and enzyme immunoassay on direct respiratory secretions; electron microscopy and immune' electron microscopy on stool specimens; hemagglutination inhibition, standard serum neutralization, and enzyme immunoassay serologic tests are best. Epidemiology: Worldwide. Treatment: None. Prevention and Control: None.