[Persistence of Coxsackie A13 virus in the families of children ill with rheumocarditis].

Virological and clinico-instrumental examinations were carried out three times during one year in 13 patients with rheumatic carditis and 34 of their relatives from 13 families. Besides, probands from 5 families had been examined 1-3 years before this study during treatment for rheumocarditis. Among 62 virus strains isolated from feces, blood, and nasopharyngeal washings in the family foci 40 were Coxsackie A13, 12: Coxsackie B1, B2, B5; 10 viruses were not identified. Coxsackie A13 virus was isolated from probands, siblings and parents in 11 out of 13 families. Virus-neutralizing antibodies to it were demonstrated in the great majority of probands and relatives, including those families where no virus had been isolated. Coxsackie A13 virus and antibodies to it were shown to persist throughout the observation period in most families.