Myocarditis and Croup Caused by Coxsackie Virus Type B5

Isolated Myocarditis

“…The histological similarity of lesions is not sufficient proof that the aetiological agents responsible for them are also similar. However, from the hearts of cases that would otherwise have been grouped as acute isolated myocarditis if included in this study, viruses of the Coxsackie group have been isolated (Gear, 1958;Babb, Stoneman, and Stern, 1961;Glajchen, -1961;Butler et al, 1962). It has not been possible to assess the percentage of cases of isolated myocarditis where attempts at virus isolation have met with failure; presumably they are not frequently reported.…”

Fatal Coxsackie B3 Myocarditis in a Newborn Infant

“…Liver necrosis, also confirmed histologically, has been reported previously (Kibrick and Benirschke, 1958). Babb et al (1961) (Gamble, 1961). No virological studies were carried out on the parents in our case, but proved Coxsackie B infection has been reported frequently to be associated with infantile myocarditis, the adult form usually being " summer grippe," nonbacterial meningitis, or Bornholm disease (epidemic pleurodynia).…”

“…The present case came to light during routine post-mortem virological studies from the British Perinatal Mortality Survey in 1958. It is presented because of the absence of previous reports of neonatal Coxsackie B infection in Britain, though Coxsackie B myocarditis has recently been recorded in older infants (Babb et al, 1961) and in a young adult (Glajchen, 1961).…”

Management of Croup

“…These include the myxoviruses-types 1, 2 and 3 of parainfluenza2 and type B influenza; 8 type 11 ECHO virus( and type B5 Coxsackie virus. 5 Extensive studies of upper respiratory infections among controlled populations in institutional homes for children have shown that certain of these organisms pass through the population and affect many of the children. It is still difficult to understand why some of these children have croup while others have only mild infections.…”