Background: Enterovirus (EV) A71 and coxsackievirus (CV) A16 were the most frequent serotypes involved in hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) outbreaks throughout Asia. In the past 5 years, however, CV-A6 has emerged as a new important pathogen worldwide, and more severe and extensive dermatologic presentations has been reported.
Objectives: Identify the clinical spectrum for atypical HFMD and enterovirus serotypes in Belém, Pará, Amazon region of northern Brazil.
Study design: A prospective ambulatory clinic-based surveillance conducted from January to June 2019, involving patients under 15 years with symptoms of HFMD. Stool, serum, oropharyngeal, and skin swab samples were analyzed. Real-time RT-PCR was performed to detect the viral genome of enteroviruses. Positive specimens were submitted to semi-nested PCR. Physical examinations and demographic data were recorded on a standardized form.
Results: 48 patients with symptoms of HFMD were included in the study and collected all samples according to protocol. Enteroviruses were detected in 83 % of patients. An atypical form of HFMD with vesiculobullous exanthema was present in 70 % (28/40); desquamation of the palms and soles detected in 90 % (36/40) and onychomadesis in 30 % (12/40) of patients. The serotype was identified in 22 patients, CV- A6 occurred in 81.8 % of them.
Conclusion: This is the first ambulatory surveillance and virologic investigation involving HFMD performed in outpatients from Amazon region, Brazil. The detection of CV-A6 was related to atypical forms HFMD. Desquamation of the palms and soles and nail changes occurred with frequency, such as a late sequel in the HFMD disease.
Keywords: Coxsackievirus; Enteroviruses; Hand-foot-mouth disease; Rash.
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