Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of enterovirus: An echovirus is any of a group of viruses belonging to the enterovirus genus, which are associated with a range of human illnesses.
   • A pathogen causing various diseases: Specifically, echoviruses are known to be associated with conditions such as viral meningitis, mild respiratory disorders, and diarrhea, particularly in newborn infants.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The infant was hospitalized after testing positive for an echovirus.
  • Viral meningitis in children is often caused by an echovirus.
  • Public health officials monitor for outbreaks of diseases linked to the echovirus.

Advanced Usage

• Medical/Clinical Context: The term is primarily used in medical, virological, and public health contexts to classify and discuss a specific etiological agent.
  • The study focused on the serotype distribution of the echovirus in the population.
• "Echovirus infection": A common compound term referring to the state of being infected by this virus.
  • Echovirus infection typically presents with non-specific flu-like symptoms.

Variants and Related Words

• Enterovirus (n): The broader genus of viruses to which echoviruses belong. Other members include coxsackieviruses and polioviruses.
• Serotype (n): A distinct variation within a species of virus or bacteria; echoviruses are divided into many serotypes (e.g., Echovirus 30).

Synonyms

• Enterovirus: (in a broad taxonomic sense, as echoviruses are a subset).
• Non-polio enterovirus: (a descriptive term often used in public health to group echoviruses and coxsackieviruses).

Related Phrases

• Echovirus outbreak: Refers to a sudden increase in cases of infection within a community.
  • The city's health department issued a warning about an echovirus outbreak in daycare centers.
• Echovirus-associated disease: A formal way to describe an illness caused by this virus.
  • Aseptic meningitis is a common echovirus-associated disease.

Noun

1. any of a group of viruses associated with various diseases including viral meningitis and mild respiratory disorders and diarrhea in newborn infants