Epidemic pleurodynia is caused by
**Core Concept**
Epidemic pleurodynia, also known as Bornholm disease, is a viral illness characterized by sudden onset of sharp chest pain and fever. It is caused by a specific enterovirus that affects the diaphragm and surrounding muscles.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is Coxsackie virus B. This virus infects the diaphragm and other muscles, leading to inflammation and pain. The virus enters the body through the gastrointestinal tract and then spreads to the diaphragm, causing the characteristic sharp chest pain.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Enterovirus 71 is another type of enterovirus that causes hand, foot, and mouth disease, but it is not associated with epidemic pleurodynia.
**Option B:** Coxsackie virus A is also an enterovirus, but it is more commonly associated with herpangina and other diseases, not epidemic pleurodynia.
**Option C:** Influenza virus is a common cause of respiratory illness, but it is not associated with epidemic pleurodynia.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Epidemic pleurodynia typically affects children and young adults, and the symptoms can be mistaken for other conditions such as myocardial infarction or pneumonia. A correct diagnosis is essential to avoid unnecessary treatment.
**Correct Answer:** D. Coxsackie virus B