enterovirus

n., pl., -rus·es.
Any of a subgroup of picornaviruses, including polioviruses, coxsackieviruses, and echoviruses, that infect the gastrointestinal tract and often spread to other areas of the body, especially the nervous system.

enteroviral en'ter·o·vi'ral adj.

One of the two subgroups of human picoma-viruses. Enteroviruses include the polioviruses, the coxsackieviruses, and the echoviruses. They are small (17–28 nanometers in diameter), contain ribonucleic acid (RNA), and are resistant to ether. The enteroviruses multiply chiefly in the alimentary tract. The polioviruses, most echoviruses, and a number of the coxsackieviruses can be grown in cell cultures of monkey origin, as well as in human cells.

Enteroviruses are widespread during summer and fall in temperate climates, but may circulate throughout the year in tropical areas. The majority of enterovirus infections are benign and inapparent. However, when these viruses invade tissues other than the enteric tract, serious diseases may result, as when poliovirus invades the spinal cord or when some of the coxsackievirus types invade the heart muscle. See also Animal virus; Coxsackievirus; Echovirus; Picornaviridae; Poliomyelitis; Rhinovirus.

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(ĕn'tə-rō-vī'rəs)
n.

A virus of the genus Enterovirus. Also called enteric virus.

A virus in the genus Enterovirus.

• e. encephalitis — several porcine enteroviruses cause highly transmissible encephalitides. See also porcine viral encephalomyelitis (Teschen disease, Talfan disease, poliomyelitis suum).

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The noun has one meaning:

Meaning #1: any of a group of picornaviruses that infect the gastrointestinal tract and can spread to other areas (especially the nervous system)

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