Parechovirus

Abstract

Human parechoviruses (HPEVs) were isolated several decades ago and their difference from other members of the picornavirus family was later identified. The role of these pathogens in human diseases has been elucidated recently by molecular diagnostic techniques. New HPEV types have been found and currently their number is 15. Parechoviruses have also been found in animals. HPEV1 infections are common and experienced during the first years of life. Most of the infections are asymptomatic or mild, but HPEVs can also cause severe illnesses, like generalized infections in newborns. Members of the Parechovirus genus are positive-stand RNA-viruses that belong to the expanding Picornaviridae family. Their size is ~ 30 nm and they contain a single-stranded RNA, covered by a protein capsid. Studies of the structure and replication of HPEVs have revealed several distinct properties when compared to the other picornaviruses.