We reviewed records of 93 newborns (age <30 days) to compare the clinical manifestations between the neonates with coxsakievirus B1 and B3 infections during two seasonal epidemics in Taiwan in 1994 and 1996, respectively. Aseptic meningitis was the most common (54 of 93 patients) clinical syndrome. Sepsis-like illness and hepatitis were more frequent in patients with coxakievirus B1 infection than those with coxakievirus B3 infection. Whereas, myocarditis occurred more frequent in patients with coxakievirus B3 infection. Ten patients expired, mortality rate 11%, and all except one patient had clinical symptoms within day 7. The clinical course progressed and resulted in cardiovascular and/or hepatic failure between day 10 and 30.

We conclude that coxsakievirus B1and B3 infections involved multiple organs and caused significant mortality in newborn infants. Infants infected with coxsakievirus B1 were more likely to have meningitis and hepatitis.Table

Table 1
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