Coxsackievirus A10 (CVA10) virus particle, illustration. The virus particle (virion) consists of an outer protein (capsid) encasing positive-sense single-stranded RNA (ribonucleic acid), the genetic material of the virus. Coxsackievirus is an icosahedral enterovirus, and belongs to the genus picornaviridae. It is among the most common and important human pathogens, causing colds, viral meningitis, and myocarditis. Infection spreads from person to person, usually on unwashed hands and surfaces contaminated with faeces, where the virus can live for days. Coxscakie viruses can be divided into type A and type B, type B being the most severe. The capsid surrounding the genome consists of four proteins: VP1 (pink); VP2 (grey); VP3 (bluish grey); and VP4 (blue).