Coxsackieviruses, Polioviruses and Associated Diseases (Second Edition)

Dear Colleagues,

Coxsackieviruses (CVs), including groups A and B (Picornaviridae), are ubiquitous single-stranded RNA-positive human pathogens. Their ability to utilize various cell receptors explains their widespread tissue tropism and their incredibly diverse pathogenicity. CVs are associated with various human diseases, including but not limited to the following: 1. respiratory infection, manifested as cold symptoms, sore throat, cough, etc.; 2. hand, foot, and mouth disease and herpetic pharyngitis, as CVs are the main pathogens causing these diseases, common in children and presenting symptoms such as oral ulcers and herpes on the hands and feet; 3. encephalitis (meningitis), as CV infection can also lead to encephalomyelitis, manifested as severe neurological complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, and myelitis; 4. myocarditis, which can sometimes be caused by CV infection, leading to impaired heart function and heart inflammation; 5. other diseases, such as muscle weakness, acute flaccid paralysis, etc.

 Their great capacity for genetic evolution has made them pathogens with a high potential for emergence. These viruses can modulate the innate defense mechanisms of the target cell, as well as the functionality of immune system cells, promoting immune system evasion. Currently, the mechanisms underlying CVs’ genetic evolution and modulation of inflammatory and immune responses remain to be explored, and their elucidation is critical for the development of future therapeutic or vaccine strategies, helping to prevent and treat related diseases.

Polioviruses, on the other hand, are the causative agents of poliomyelitis, a debilitating and sometimes fatal disease which has been the target of global eradication efforts. The development of effective vaccines in the mid-20th century was a landmark achievement in public health, leading to the near-eradication of wild-type poliovirus. However, the emergence of vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) outbreaks in under-immunized populations highlights the need for continued research and vigilance. 

This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on coxsackieviruses, polioviruses, and their associated diseases. Original research articles, review articles, and perspective pieces covering a wide range of topics, including virus evolution, host–pathogen interactions, diagnostic methods, and the development of novel therapeutic and preventive strategies, are welcome. By addressing these important and timely issues, this Special Issue will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals working in the field of picornavirus research and disease management.

Prof. Dr. Yong Zhang
Prof. Dr. Didier Hober
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Viruses is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• coxsackievirus
• HFMD
• viral Meningitis
• myocarditis
• pericarditis
• herpangina
• poliovirus
• poliomyelitis
• acute flaccid paralysis
• post-polio syndrome
• pleurodynia (Bornholm disease)

• Coxsackieviruses and Associated Diseases in Viruses (9 articles)