Coxsackievirus B is a member of the family Picornaviridae, genus Enterovirus, and species Enterovirus B. Coxsackievirus B strains consist of 6 serotypes (CVB1-CVB6). Coxsackievirus B can cause both mild, self-limiting gastrointestinal or respiratory illnesses and more severe illnesses, eg, myocarditis, pericarditis, aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, pancreatitis, and neonatal sepsis.

All 6 coxsackievirus B serotypes have a global distribution. They are commonly spread by the fecal-oral route, although oral-oral and respiratory droplet transmission can also occur. As most infections are self-limiting, diagnostic testing is typically unnecessary, although molecular assays can be used to establish the diagnosis, particularly in cases of severe infection. Treatment is supportive.