Viral infection (Coxsackie & Echovirus) is commonly associated with which condition?

• A. Bacterial pneumonia
• B. Viral pericarditis
• C. Autoimmune lupus
• D. Fungal infection

Answer: (B)

Viral infection with Coxsackie B and Echovirus most often presents as inflammation of the pericardium, causing viral pericarditis. These enteroviruses are classic culprits of acute pericardial inflammation, especially in young adults. The typical clinical picture includes sharp, pleuritic chest pain that worsens when lying flat and improves when leaning forward, sometimes with a pericardial friction rub. ECG commonly shows diffuse ST-segment elevations with PR depressions. The course is usually self-limited, and treatment is supportive, often using NSAIDs and sometimes colchicine to reduce recurrence.

Bacterial pneumonia would present with fever, productive cough, and localized lung findings or infiltrates. Autoimmune lupus involves systemic autoimmune processes with multi-organ involvement, not a primary association with these enteroviruses. Fungal infections occur more in immunocompromised individuals and have a different presentation.