[Molecular biology of enteroviruses].

Molecular biological methods offer new approaches to the study of RNA viruses. On the example of enteroviruses we tried to give an account, of recent progress in the knowledge and understanding of these important human pathogens. Firstly concerning their structural and genomic organisation; secondly as regards understanding of their pathology and pathogenicity; thirdly the impact of such methods on rapid, sensitive and specific diagnosis, treatment, on epidemiology and finally on evolution and classification of the large picornavirus family where the enterovirus genus belongs. We believe that molecular biology will elucidate still unknown features of enteroviruses, which are not yet correctly evaluated human pathogens.