The Coxsackie B Viruses

The book "The Coxsackie B Viruses" deals with the discovery and impact of the Coxsackie B viruses, which were isolated in the late 1940s. These viruses were initially misidentified as polioviruses, but it soon became clear that they represent a distinct group of viruses associated with serious diseases, particularly pediatric inflammatory heart disease. The book highlights the differentiation between groups A and B of the Coxsackie viruses and emphasizes the importance of group B, which is considered a major cause of acute viral myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy. In light of the successes in combating polioviruses through vaccination, it also points to the need to raise awareness of other human enteroviruses that cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The authors, Brian W.J. Mahy and Steven Tracy, provide a comprehensive analysis of current research and the challenges associated with these viruses.