title: [Coxsackie B virus infection and cardiopathies].
abstract: Neutralizing antibody activity against Coxsackie virus group B, types 1-6, was determined on paired serum samples taken from 16 hospitalized patients affected by acute heart diseases of suspected viral origin. Serum samples were also taken from 4 additional cases of pleuropericarditis observed in the course of a small outbreak of Coxsackie B2 infection. Serological evidence of virus infection was based on the occurrence of the following conditions: a) twofold or greater variation of virus neutralizing antibody; b) antibody titers equal to or greater than 1:256. Evidence of Coxsackie B2 virus infection was found in 12 patients, while Coxsackievirus B1, B3, B5 and B6 infection, respectively, could be associated with 4 cases. The advisability of performing serological examination for Coxsackie group B viruses antibodies in patients with heart diseases of suspected viral origin is emphasized.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D003384:Coxsackievirus Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000209:etiology*; D009205:Myocarditis / Q000209:etiology*; D010493:Pericarditis / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral
vernacular_title: Infezione da virus Coxsackie B e cardiopatie.