Herpangina etiology: Within the coxsackievirus groups, which group is classically associated with herpangina (painful vesicles and ulcers on the soft palate/tonsillar pillars)?

Introduction:
Herpangina is an enteroviral illness characterized by sudden fever, sore throat, and small vesicular lesions on the posterior oropharynx. Identifying the principal viral group helps with clinical recognition and counseling during seasonal outbreaks.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Coxsackieviruses are divided into group A and group B.
• Multiple clinical syndromes are associated with these groups.
• We select the group most strongly linked to herpangina.

Concept / Approach:
Coxsackie A viruses (several serotypes) are classically associated with herpangina and hand-foot-and-mouth disease. Group B more often causes pleurodynia, myocarditis, and pericarditis. Therefore, the correct selection for herpangina in exam settings is group A.

Step-by-Step Solution:
List major coxsackievirus clinical associations. Match herpangina to the group A cluster of diseases. Select “Group A.” Exclude group B and distractors.

Verification / Alternative check:
Outbreak summaries attribute herpangina primarily to group A serotypes (e.g., A1–A10, A12, A22, A24), aligning with classic teaching.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Group B – associated more with chest pain syndromes and cardiac involvement.

Both/None – “both” overstates the association; “none” contradicts epidemiology.

Echovirus group – echoviruses can cause pharyngitis or meningitis but herpangina is classically linked to coxsackie A.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing hand-foot-and-mouth disease (often coxsackie A16 or enterovirus A71) with herpangina; they overlap but are distinct syndromes.

Final Answer:
Group A.