ENTEROVIRUSES AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN SAUDI-ARABIA, 1989-1995

Enteroviruses (EVs) are among the most common viral pathogens affectin g humans. Enterovirus (EV) infections occur worldwide in temperate cli mates with a marked summer/fall season and have a high year-round inci dence in tropical and subtropical areas. In Saudi Arabia, the epidemio logy of enteroviruses is unknown. Of the clinical specimens submitted for diagnosis during a six-year period (1989-1995) at King Faisal Spec ialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) in Riyadh, a wide variet y of diseases were associated with the isolation of enteroviruses. Amo ng the diseases were herpangina, sepsis-like illness, hand-foot-and-mo uth syndrome, laryngotracheitis (croup), aseptic meningitis, pneumonia , and gastrointestinal illness. During the six-year study, a variety o f enteroviruses were isolated. Although epidemics were seen in mid-win ter and early spring, EV which may cause sporadic diseases were isolat ed in each of the 12 months. Health care providers must become aware o f the epidemic potential not only in mid-winter and early spring, but also throughout the year, as this will aid in the diagnosis and manage ment of this illness.