Coxsackie B5 Infection Causing Serous Meningitis with Exanthema and Benign Pericarditis with Myocarditis in Two Siblings

Summary A case of Coxsackie B infection, type 5, in two sisters, 5 and 14 years of age, is reported. The younger displayed serous meningitis and–an unusual finding–a maculous exanthema, which has previously been observed only in certain Coxsackie A infections. The elder sister had myalgic symptoms and pericarditis followed by myocarditis. Virological and serological tests proved the presence of the infection. Earlier observations, like the present case, suggest that infection particularly with Coxsackie B, chiefly type 5, is liable to be accompanied by pericarditis.