Which type of viral infection is often associated with acute pericarditis?

Coxsackie virus is known to be a common cause of viral infections that can lead to acute pericarditis. This group of viruses, part of the enterovirus family, can cause a wide range of clinical syndromes, with pericarditis being one of them. The inflammatory response triggered by Coxsackie virus infection often involves the heart's pericardial tissue, leading to symptoms such as chest pain, fever, and sometimes signs of heart failure.

Acute pericarditis can occur following viral myocarditis, where the virus directly invades the heart muscle, or can be a separate manifestation of infection. While other viruses and pathogens can potentially affect the pericardium, Coxsackie virus specifically has a well-documented association with this condition, making it a key organism to consider in these cases. Infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, or Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) are less commonly linked with acute pericarditis and typically are associated with different clinical presentations.