Viral RNA is detected during the detection of the enterovirus. For such a detection, collection material is taken, which may be faeces, throat swab, vesicle swab, rinse and liqour. Presence of virus exclusively in the throat and faeces is often not evidence of a recent infection.
During the PCR detection of enterovirus, amplification takes place of the 5’UTR RNA sequence which serves as the target sequence. The 5’UTR sequence is composed of stably folded RNA domains. Proper folding and functioning of the 5′-UTR underlies the efficiency of viral replication and also determines viral virulence. By detecting the 5’UTR RNA, it is possible to analyze whether the enterovirus is present.