Enterovirus Infection Research Articles

Clinical course and peculiarities of Parechovirus and Enterovirus central nervous system infections in newborns: a single-center experience.

Parechovirus (HpEV) and Enterovirus (EV) infections in children mostly have a mild course but are particularly fearsome in newborns in whom they may cause aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, and myocarditis. Our study aimed to describe the clinical presentations and peculiarities of CNS infection by HpEV and EV in neonates. This is a single-center retrospective study at Istituto Gaslini, Genoa, Italy. Infants aged ≤ 30days with a CSF RTq-PCR positive for EV or HpEV from January 1, 2022, to December 1, 2023, were enrolled. Each patient's record included demographic data, blood and CSF tests, brain MRI, therapies, length of stay, ICU admission, complications, and mortality. The two groups were compared to identify any differences and similarities. Twenty-five patients (15 EV and 10 HpEV) with a median age of 15days were included. EV patients had a more frequent history of prematurity/neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (p = 0.021), more respiratory symptoms on admission (p = 0.012), and higher C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (p = 0.027), whereas ferritin values were significantly increased in HpEV patients (p = 0.001). Eight patients had a pathological brain MRI, equally distributed between the two groups. Three EV patients developed myocarditis and one HpEV necrotizing enterocolitis with HLH-like. No deaths occurred. Conclusion: EV and HpEV CNS infections are not easily distinguishable by clinical features. In both cases, brain MRI abnormalities are not uncommon, and a severe course of the disease is possible. Hyper-ferritinemia may represent an additional diagnostic clue for HpEV infection, and its monitoring is recommended to intercept HLH early and initiate immunomodulatory treatment. Larger studies are needed to confirm our findings. What is Known: • Parechovirus and Enteroviruses are the most common viral pathogens responsible for sepsis and meningoencephalitis in neonates and young infants. • The clinical course and distinguishing features of Parechovirus and Enterovirus central nervous system infections are not well described. What is New: •Severe disease course, brain MRI abnormalities, and complications are not uncommon in newborns with Parechovirus and Enteroviruses central nervous system infections. •Hyper-ferritinemia may represent an additional diagnostic clue for Parechovirus infection and its monitoring is recommended.

Modulation of plasmacytoid dendritic cell and CD4+ T cell differentiation accompanied by upregulation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway induced by enterovirus 71.

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a neurotropic enterovirus associated with hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) fatalities. In this study, we investigated the impact of EV71 on plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and CD4+ T cells. The results showed that pDCs were promptly activated, secreting interferon (IFN)-α and inducing CD4+ T cell proliferation and differentiation during early EV71 infection. This initiated adaptive immune responses and promoted proinflammatory cytokine production by CD4+ T cells. Over time, viral nucleic acids and proteins were synthesized in pDCs and CD4+ T cells. Concurrently, the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) was activated, exhibiting an anti-inflammatory role. With constant viral stimulation, pDCs and CD4+ T cells showed reduced differentiation and cytokine secretion. Defects in pDCs were identified as a key factor in CD4+ T cell tolerance. CAP had a more significant regulatory effect on CD4+ T cells than on pDCs and was capable of inhibiting inflammation in these cells.

Identification of fangchinoline as a broad-spectrum enterovirus inhibitor through reporter virus based high-content screening

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common pediatric illness mainly caused by enteroviruses, which are important human pathogens. Currently, there are no available antiviral agents for the therapy of enterovirus infection. In this study, an excellent high-content antiviral screening system utilizing the EV-A71-eGFP reporter virus was developed. Using this screening system, we screened a drug library containing 1042 natural compounds to identify potential EV-A71 inhibitors. Fangchinoline (FAN), a bis-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, exhibits potential inhibitory effects against various enteroviruses that cause HFMD, such as EV-A71, CV-A10, CV-B3 and CV-A16. Further investigations revealed that FAN targets the early stage of the enterovirus life cycle. Through the selection of FAN-resistant EV-A71 viruses, we demonstrated that the VP1 protein could be a potential target of FAN, as two mutations in VP1 (E145G and V258I) resulted in viral resistance to FAN. Our research suggests that FAN is an efficient inhibitor of EV-A71 and has the potential to be a broad-spectrum antiviral drug against human enteroviruses.

Enterovirus and Paraechovirus Meningitis in Neonates: Which Is the Difference?

Enterovirus (EV) and parechovirus (HPeV) are common viruses in the neonatal period, with similar seasonality and symptomatology. They also are the main causes of aseptic meningitis in newborns and children under 1 year of age. We compared the clinical signs, laboratory data, brain, and neurodevelopmental outcome of 10 infants with HPeV and 8 with EV meningitis. In patients with EV meningitis, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) values were significantly higher than those of patients with HPeV infection. Procalcitonin values were low in both groups. White blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte values were significantly higher in EV patients. None of the infants had a brain lesion on cerebral ultrasound neither negative neurological outcome. Based solely on symptoms, it is not possible to distinguish HPeV from EV infection. C-reactive protein, WBC, and lymphocyte values might allow the physician to assume EV infection. The gold standard test for diagnosis remains real-time polymerase chain reaction on cerebral spinal fluid.

Recent Discovery of Peptidomimetics for the Treatment of Coronavirus (COVID-19), Human Coronavirus, and Enteroviruses.

This patent describes the synthesis of compounds, methods, and compositions for preventing, treating, and/or curing Covid-19, human coronavirus, and enterovirus infections. Some peptidomimetic compounds are very potent and could be a game changer in new treatment therapy for COVID-19.

An outbreak of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis due to Coxsackievirus A24 in a residential school, Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh: July 2023

PurposeAn acute conjunctivitis outbreak was investigated at a residential school in Naharlagun, Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India, in July 2023. We aimed to identify the etiological agent and assess any complications in follow-up cases. MethodsWe used a structured questionnaire to record clinical findings and followed up with cases one-month post-conjunctivitis. Sixty-one cases were examined and eight conjunctival and oropharyngeal swab samples were collected after obtaining informed consent from guardians/school authorities. We screened for 33 viral and bacterial pathogens using an IVD-approved Real-time PCR assay. Further, the samples were subjected to nucleic acid sequencing. ResultsAmong 465 screened students and staff, 80 individuals (approximately 17.2%) showed acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis symptoms among which 61 cases were available for clinical examination. We identified the Enterovirus responsible by targeted sequencing using next-generation sequencing. The etiological agent was found to be Coxsackievirus A24, a member of Enterovirus C, in seven out of eight samples subjected to sequencing. Common symptoms included conjunctival hyperemia and foreign body sensation (100%), bilateral eye involvement (73.8%), eye pain (70%), watery discharge (49.2%), and eyelid swelling (38%). Only 6.5% had purulent discharge. Most cases resolved within 5-6 days, with only 9.8% reporting abdominal symptoms post-conjunctivitis. No serious complications occurred within one month. Throat swabs aided in diagnosing enterovirus infections alongside eye swabs. ConclusionsThe outbreak of acute conjunctivitis was caused by Coxsackievirus A24, a member of Enterovirus C. Cases resolved spontaneously within 6-7 days, with no severe complications. Collecting oropharyngeal swabs alongside conjunctival swabs could improve enteroviral conjunctivitis diagnosis.

Changing rates but persisting seasons: patterns of enterovirus infections in hospitalizations and outpatient visits in Denmark 2015-2022

BackgroundEnteroviruses (EV) constitute a diverse group of viruses manifesting a broad spectrum of clinical presentations in humans ranging from mild skin manifestations to more severe central nervous system (CNS) infection. Severe infections are reported with increased frequency globally, albeit the burden of diseases and the evolution of circulating viruses is largely unknown. We aimed to systematically explore contemporary trends in hospitalizations attributed to EV infections using national hospitalization discharge data.MethodsWe utilized the Danish National Patient Register which holds information on all contacts to Danish hospitals. We covered eight full years (2015-2022). Length-of-stay and administrative procedure codes were used to distinguish hospital admissions from outpatient visits. We utilized burden of disease estimates and distribution statistics.ResultsWe identified 1029 hospitalizations and 1970 outpatient visits due to EV infections. The hospital admissions were primarily associated with CNS-infections (n=570, 55.4%) and skin (n=252, 24.5%), with variation over the studied period. The admitted patients were predominately children (43.8%) though patients were identified in all ages. The clinical manifestation was associated with age, with CNS infections dominating in the neonates and adults, and skin infections dominating in children 1-2 years (17.2%). Outpatient visits were predominantly observed among children 1-2 years (55.0%), presenting with skin symptoms (77.9%). We show a seasonal pattern of EV infections with summer/fall peaks and markedly impact on the EV hospitalization burden related to COVID-19 mitigation measures including national lockdown periods. 25% of hospital admissions occurred during 2020-2022.ConclusionEV infections caused both hospital admissions and outpatient visits in the period studied, predominately among children aged 1-2 years. Overall, skin infections dominated the outpatient visits, while the majority of hospital admissions were due to CNS infections. The pandemic period did not change the seasonal pattern of EV infections but notably lowered the number of admissions to hospital with CNS infection and raised the number of outpatient admissions with skin infection.

Role of protein Post-translational modifications in enterovirus infection.

Enteroviruses (EVs) are the main cause of a number of neurological diseases. Growing evidence has revealed that successful infection with enteroviruses is highly dependent on the host machinery, therefore, host proteins play a pivotal role in viral infections. Both host and viral proteins can undergo post-translational modification (PTM) which can regulate protein activity, stability, solubility and interactions with other proteins; thereby influencing various biological processes, including cell metabolism, metabolic, signaling pathways, cell death, and cancer development. During viral infection, both host and viral proteins regulate the viral life cycle through various PTMs and different mechanisms, including the regulation of host cell entry, viral protein synthesis, genome replication, and the antiviral immune response. Therefore, protein PTMs play important roles in EV infections. Here, we review the role of various host- and virus-associated PTMs during enterovirus infection.

The combination of pleconaril, rupintrivir, and remdesivir efficiently inhibits enterovirus infections in vitro, delaying the development of drug-resistant virus variants

Enteroviruses are a significant global health concern, causing a spectrum of diseases from the common cold to more severe conditions like hand-foot-and-mouth disease, meningitis, myocarditis, pancreatitis, and poliomyelitis. Current treatment options for these infections are limited, underscoring the urgent need for effective therapeutic strategies. To find better treatment option we analyzed toxicity and efficacy of 12 known broad-spectrum anti-enterovirals both individually and in combinations against different enteroviruses in vitro. We identified several novel, synergistic two-drug and three-drug combinations that demonstrated significant inhibition of enterovirus infections in vitro. Specifically, the triple-drug combination of pleconaril, rupintrivir, and remdesivir exhibited remarkable efficacy against echovirus (EV) 1, EV6, EV11, and coxsackievirus (CV) B5, in human lung epithelial A549 cells. This combination surpassed the effectiveness of single-agent or dual-drug treatments, as evidenced by its ability to protect A549 cells from EV1-induced cytotoxicity across seven passages. Additionally, this triple-drug cocktail showed potent antiviral activity against EV-A71 in human intestinal organoids. Thus, our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of the pleconaril-rupintrivir-remdesivir combination as a broad-spectrum treatment option against a range of enterovirus infections. The study also paves the way towards development of strategic antiviral drug combinations with virus family coverage and high-resistance barriers.

Picornavirus 2C proteins: structure-function relationships and interactions with host factors.

Picornaviruses, which are positive-stranded, non-enveloped RNA viruses, are known to infect people and animals with a broad spectrum of diseases. Among the nonstructural proteins in picornaviruses, 2C proteins are highly conserved and exhibit multiple structural domains, including amphipathic α-helices, an ATPase structural domain, and a zinc finger structural domain. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the functional structures of picornaviruses' 2C protein. We summarize the mechanisms by which the 2C protein enhances viral replication. 2C protein interacts with various host factors to form the replication complex, ultimately promoting viral replication. We review the mechanisms through which picornaviruses' 2C proteins interact with the NF-κB, RIG-I, MDA5, NOD2, and IFN pathways, contributing to the evasion of the antiviral innate immune response. Additionally, we provide an overview of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs for treating various enterovirus infections, such as guanidine hydrochloride, fluoxetine, and dibucaine derivatives. These drugs may exert their inhibitory effects on viral infections by targeting interactions with 2C proteins. The review underscores the need for further research to elucidate the precise mechanisms of action of 2C proteins and to identify additional host factors for potential therapeutic intervention. Overall, this review contributes to a deeper understanding of picornaviruses and offers insights into the antiviral strategies against these significant viral pathogens.

Effect of COVID-19 protective measures on the epidemiology characteristics of rotavirus, adenovirus, and coinfections among pediatric patients with acute gastroenteritis in Hangzhou, China.

Human rotavirus (RV) and adenovirus (AdV) have been recognized as common enteric viruses associated with viral acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children aged<5 years. However, with the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been suppressed due to various aggressive and effective anti-epidemic measures, the prevalence of other viruses has also been affected. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the epidemiological characterization of RV, AdV, and coinfections among children with AGE in a hospital in Hangzhou from 2019 to 2023. The overall changes, seasonal distribution, and age distribution of enteroviruses were analyzed based on 5 years of records. All data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0. A total of 102,049 samples were analyzed from January 2019 to August 2023, and among them 15,911 (15.59%) were positive specimens, 11,646 (11.41%) were RV-positive, 4,057 (3.98%) were AdV-positive, and 208 (0.20%) were coinfection. The positive rate among males was 15.54%, while among females was 15.66% with a male-to-female ratio of 1.42:1. There was no significant difference in the positive rates of enterovirus infection between males and females. Significant associations were found between the month group and RV/AdV infection, with RV detection peaking in winter (74.18%) and early spring (29.22%), while AdV has a high prevalence in summer (16.03%) and spring (12.71%). The age group was also found to be significantly associated with RV/AdV infection, with RV being most prevalent in the 1-3-year-old age group (16.99%), while AdV was highest in the 3-5-year-old age group (8.10%).IMPORTANCEThis study highlights the epidemiological changes of rotavirus (RV), adenovirus (AdV), and coinfections in children with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) before, during, and after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) periods. There was a highly statistically significant difference in the positive rates of RV-positive, AdV-positive, and coinfection (P < 0.001), indicating that RV remains the main pathogen causing AGE. It emphasizes the importance of continuous surveillance of RV and AdV at both local and global levels. Regular surveillance of prevalent rotavirus strains will facilitate the development of new inactivated rotavirus vaccines and aid in disease prevention and control.

Genetic diversity and recombination of bovine enterovirus strains in China.

Bovine enterovirus (BEV) infection is an emerging disease in China that is characterized by digestive, respiratory, and reproductive disorders. In this study, we first reported two novel EV-E subtypes detected in cattle herds in China, unveiled the coinfection of two enterovirus species (EV-E/EV-F) and different subtypes (EV-E2/EV-E7, EV-E1/EV-E7, and EV-E3/EV-E6) in the same cattle herds, and revealed the enterovirus genetic exchange in intraspecies and interspecies recombination. These results provide an important update of enterovirus prevalence and epidemiological aspects and contribute to a better understanding of enterovirus genetic diversity, evolution, and pathogenesis.

Respiratory viral detection in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of young febrile infants.

Respiratory viral infections are common in febrile infants ≤90 days. However, the detection of viruses other than enterovirus in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of young infants is not well defined. We sought to quantify the occurrence of respiratory viruses in the blood and CSF of febrile infants ≤90 days. We conducted a nested cohort study examining plasma and CSF samples from febrile infants 15-90 days via rtPCR. The samples were tested for respiratory viruses (respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, enterovirus, parechovirus, adenovirus, bocavirus). Clinical and laboratory data were also collected to determine the presence of serious bacterial infections (SBI). Twenty-four percent (30 of 126) of infants had plasma/CSF specimens positive for a respiratory virus. Enterovirus and parechovirus were the most commonly detected respiratory viruses. Viral positivity was highest in plasma samples at 25% (27 of 107) compared with CSF samples at 15% (nine of 62). SBIs (specifically urinary tract infections) were less common in infants with a sample positive for a respiratory virus compared to those without a virus detected (3% vs. 26%, p= 0.008). Our findings support the use of molecular diagnostics to include the identification of parechovirus in addition to enterovirus in febrile infants ≤90 days. Additionally, these data support the utilization of blood specimens to diagnose enterovirus and parechovirus infections in febrile infants ≤90 days.

Human Enterovirus B Is a Significant Cause of Aseptic Meningitis and Sepsis-Like Illness in Young Infants in Thailand.

Human enterovirus (EV) and Parechovirus (PeV) infections are major causes of sepsis-like illness in infants < 90 days of age. Enterovirus species B (EV-B) was found to be the leading cause of aseptic meningitis in young infants. In Thailand, EV and PeV are not part of the routine screening of blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of children with suspected aseptic meningitis and sepsis-like illness. Consequently, data on EV and PeV epidemiology are limited. This study tested clinical samples from hospitalized young infants with suspected aseptic meningitis or sepsis-like illness between 2013 and 2022 for EV, PeV, and Herpes simplex virus (HSV). Of 95 specimens, 10 were positive for EV, representing 10.5%. These positive samples included eight CSF and two stool samples. No samples were positive for PeV and HSV. Of these positive cases, EV-B was detected in eight, and EV-A was detected in two cases. The species of EV-B detected include echovirus-18 (E18) (n=2), E21 (n=2), E4(n=1), E5 (n=1), E9 (n=1), and E11 (n=1). Ourreport demonstrates the significant role of EV-B, and less frequently EV-A, in Thai infants with aseptic meningitis and sepsis-like illness.

Cathelicidin peptide analogues inhibit EV71 infection through blocking viral entry and uncoating.

Given the serious neurological complications and deaths associated with enterovirus 71 (EV71) infection, there is an urgent need to develop effective antivirals against this viral infection. In this study, we demonstrated that two Cathelicidin-derived peptides, LL-18 and FF-18 were more potent against EV71 infection than the parent peptide LL-37, which is the mature and processed form of Cathelicidin. These peptides could directly bind to the EV71 virus particles, but not to coxsackievirus, indicative of their high specificity. The binding of peptides with the virus surface occupied the viral canyon region in a way that could block virus-receptor interactions and inhibit viral uncoating. In addition, these peptide analogues could also relieve the deleterious effect of EV71 infection in vivo. Therefore, Cathelicidin-derived peptides might be excellent candidates for further development of antivirals to treat EV71 infection.

Intestinal pathogens detected in cockroach species within different food-related environment in Pudong, China

Cockroaches are considered mechanical transmitters of infectious diseases, posing a threat to human health. This study assessed the potential of cockroaches in food-related environments to mechanically transmit intestinal pathogens. Cockroaches captured with traps were placed together into a low temperature refrigerator at − 80° for 2 h. Standard taxonomic keys and Fluorescent quantitative PCR techniques were applied for species identification and digestive tract etiological examination. A total of 360 cockroach traps were placed, with a positive rate of 20.8%, and 266 cockroaches were captured. In general, compared with other places and areas, the degree of infestation of cockroaches was more serious in catering places and kitchens. Blattella germanica were most found in catering places (40.2%), followed by Periplaneta fuliginosa in schools (22.2%). According to the life stage, among the 128 cockroach samples, 23 were positive for nymphs and 13 were positive for adults. There were statistically significant differences in the intestinal pathogen detection rates between nymphs and adults (P < 0.05). A total of eight intestinal pathogens were detected, and enterovirus infections were the main ones, with sapovirus being the most detected in Blattella germanica or nymph. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) was the most frequently isolated bacterium. Blastocystis hominis had the highest isolation rate. In contrast, 12 diarrhoeal disease pathogens were isolated, and the viruses and bacteria with the highest frequencies were norovirus and E. coli, respectively; no parasites were found. Blattella germanica and Periplaneta fuliginosa in food-related environments can act as potential vectors for the spread of intestinal pathogens and may pose a significant threat to public health.

Molecular Amplification and Cell Culturing Efficiency for Enteroviruses' Detection in Cerebrospinal Fluids of Algerian Patients Suffering from Meningitis.

Enteroviruses (EVs) represent a major cause of viral meningitis, being responsible for nearly 1 billion infections each year worldwide. Several techniques were developed to obtain better diagnostic results of EV infections. Herein, we evaluated the efficiency of EV detection through isolation on both Rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) and Vero cell line cultures, conventional reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time RT-PCR. Thus, 50 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples belonging to patients suspected to have viral meningitis in northern Algeria were collected, anonymously numbered from 1 to 50 and subjected to the above-mentioned techniques for EV detection. Using real-time RT-PCR, 34 CSF samples were revealed to be positive for viral origin of meningitis (68%). Thirteen of them were positive when the conventional RT-PCR was used (26%), and only three samples gave positive results when the cell culture technique was used (6%). Surprisingly, two cell culture-positive CSF samples, namely, 31 and 39, were negative using RT-PCR directly on the original samples. However, they turned to be positive when amplification was carried out on their corresponding cell culture supernatant. The cell-cultured viral isolates were then identified by sequencing their viral genome's VP1 regions. All of them were revealed to belong to the echovirus 27 strain. This investigation demonstrates that RT-PCR techniques are often more sensitive, accurate and much faster, providing reliable results within a clinically acceptable timeframe. However, viral isolation on cell cultures remains crucial to obtain enough viral load for serological tests or even to avoid the rare, but existing, false negative PCR.

Recent cluster of neonatal enteroviral myocarditis cases in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - current scenario and counteracting prospects

ObjectivesNeonatal myocarditis is a rare but life-threatening complication of enterovirus infection that presents like bacterial sepsis. OutbreakA sudden upsurge in cases of neonatal enteroviral myocarditis, reported from South West England and South Wales between June 2022 and April 2023 has alerted health agencies to bring in counteracting measures. ImpactIn view of this outbreak situation, the World Health Organisation advisory has urged clinicians seeing neonates and infants with shock may consider myocarditis as a differential diagnosis and test for enteroviruses.

Folate supports IL-25-induced tuft cell expansion following enteroviral infections.

Intestinal tuft cells, a kind of epithelial immune cells, rapidly expand in response to pathogenic infections, which is associated with infection-induced interleukin 25 (IL-25) upregulation. However, the metabolic mechanism of IL-25-induced tuft cell expansion is largely unknown. Folate metabolism provides essential purine and methyl substrates for cell proliferation and differentiation. Thus, we aim to investigate the roles of folate metabolism playing in IL-25-induced tuft cell expansion by enteroviral infection and recombinant murine IL-25 (rmIL-25) protein-stimulated mouse models. At present, enteroviruses, such as EV71, CVA16, CVB3, and CVB4, upregulated IL-25 expression and induced tuft cell expansion in the intestinal tissues of mice. However, EV71 did not induce intestinal tuft cell expansion in IL-25-/- mice. Interestingly, compared to the mock group, folate was enriched in the intestinal tissues of both the EV71-infected group and the rmIL-25 protein-stimulated group. Moreover, folate metabolism supported IL-25-induced tuft cell expansion since both folate-depletion and anti-folate MTX-treated mice had a disrupted tuft cell expansion in response to rmIL-25 protein stimulation. In summary, our data suggested that folate metabolism supported intestinal tuft cell expansion in response to enterovirus-induced IL-25 expression, which provided a new insight into the mechanisms of tuft cell expansion from the perspective of folate metabolism.

Enteroviruses in the etiology of acute respiratory viral infections in children, Novosibirsk, Russia

Aim. To assess the contribution of human enteroviruses to the overall structure of acute respiratory viral infections in children in Novosibirsk during the epidemic season 2022–2023. Material and Methods. 1132 samples collected from children aged 0–15 years with symptoms of ARVI were analyzed by real–time PCR for the presence of genetic material of respiratory viruses, including enteroviruses. Results. 65.2 % of the examined children were positive for at least one virus, including enteroviruses. Respiratory syncytial virus was most often found in children during this period, which accounted for 17.2 % of the total number of samples studied. Influenza virus was detected in 14.2 % of the examined children. Enteroviruses were detected in 9.2 % of cases and rhinovirus was detected in 10.8 % of the examined children. Conclusions. Respiratory enteroviruses, along with rhinovirus, occupy a significant place in the etiology of acute respiratory viral infections in children. The study of the epidemiology of enteroviruses is necessary to understand the clinical manifestations and outcomes of enterovirus infection, and to assess the burden of diseases caused by enteroviruses, which is important for optimizing prevention and therapy strategies.