Enteroviruses causes –
## **Core Concept**
Enteroviruses are a group of viruses that belong to the **Picornaviridae** family. They are commonly associated with a variety of clinical syndromes, ranging from mild to severe. These viruses are highly contagious and spread primarily through the fecal-oral route.
## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Enteroviruses are known to cause **aseptic meningitis**, which is characterized by inflammation of the meninges without the presence of bacterial infection. This condition is often marked by symptoms such as fever, headache, and stiff neck. The viruses can also cause other diseases like **poliomyelitis** (due to poliovirus), **hand, foot, and mouth disease** (due to coxsackieviruses and echoviruses), and **neonatal disease**. The correct association with aseptic meningitis makes the correct answer accurate.
## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** While enteroviruses can cause a range of diseases, option A is not specified. Generally, if option A does not directly relate to known enteroviral infections like aseptic meningitis, polio, or hand, foot, and mouth disease, it would be incorrect.
- **Option B:** Similarly, without the specific content of option B, it's hard to directly refute it. However, if it does not align with recognized enteroviral diseases, it would be considered incorrect.
- **Option C:** This option is also unspecified. If it suggests a disease not commonly associated with enteroviruses, such as tuberculosis or malaria, it would be incorrect.
## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that **enteroviruses are a common cause of aseptic meningitis**, particularly in children and young adults. They are also notable for causing outbreaks of hand, foot, and mouth disease. Laboratory diagnosis often involves PCR (polymerase chain reaction) due to the short duration of viremia.
## **Correct Answer:** D. Aseptic meningitis.