ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND CHALLENGES IN PICORNAVIROLOGY AS OBSERVED BY A MEDICAL DOCTOR

Background: The family of picornaviridae has been studied extensively: the structure of the virion and its replication strategy are known in molecular detail. Nevertheless, infections viith the multitude of ent eroviruses still cause widespread epidemics, serious disease and a div ersity of clinical syndromes ranging from central nervous system invol vement to light febrile illness. Infections with more than 100 human r hinovirus types are an important economic factor. Objective: In order to treat and control picornavirus infections with their great diversit y of manifestations the pathogenesis of diseases must be better unders tood, e.g. concerning virus spread in the organism or molecular detail of the disease processes, such as cell tropism of the virus or cytoki ne and immunologic actions. Elucidation of mechanisms of virus transmi ssion in the population is also needed. Study design: This review disc usses aspects of our present knowledge of the pathogenesis, transmissi on, prophylaxis and treatment of picornavirus infections. Conclusions: The need for further development of selective antiviral substances, s afe vaccines and basic research in picornavirology is stressed. (C) 19 98 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.