Rhinoviruses

Abstract

Abstract Human rhinovirus (HRV) infections cause 70% of virus‐related wheezing exacerbations and cold and flu‐like disease. They are associated with otitis media, sinusitis and pneumonia. Annually, the health and socioeconomic impact of HRV infections costs billions of dollars. Since 1987, 100 officially recognised HRV serotypes have resided in two genetically distinct species, HRV‐A and HRV‐B. Their genome sequences were deduced in 2009. Recently a new species, HRV‐C was recognised, containing 60 genotypes, of which only two have been isolated in primary tissue. Little is known about HRV‐Cs. The HRVs reside within the genus Enterovirus , family Picornaviridae . What drives the development and maintenance of so many distinct viruses is unknown. What role recombination plays in generating this diversity and whether there are species‐specific circulation patterns and clinical outcomes remains unclear. In short, much remains uncertain about the HRVs but the current key features and clinical outcomes from HRV infection are presented. Key Concepts: The nonenveloped HRVs have a small RNA genome of approximately 7000 base pairs. A third, new species of HRV, HRV‐C was described in 2007; all species reside within the genus Enterovirus , family Picornaviridae. HRV prevalence peaks twice per year. HRVs cause cold and flu‐like symptoms and trigger asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations. HRVs are associated with diseases such as otitis media, sinusitis and pneumonia. HRV infections are associated with considerable direct and indirect healthcare expenditure annually.