DiscussionIn 1957 a collection of viruses generally regarded as transient inhabitants isolated from the lower intestinal tract in human beings and sharing certain common properties were officially designated as enteroviruses.20 Classically, these viruses are subdivided into the polioviruses, Coxsackie viruses (Groups A and B) and ECHO (enteric cytopathogenic human orphan) viruses and are characterized by their small size (17 to 30 millimicrons), having a high ribonucleic acid content in their core and a resistance to ether, and can be stabilized against inactivation by heat with the use of magnesium salts.21 22 23 Recently, the generic name picornavirus (pico = very . . .