DNA Viruses Flashcards
These are the smallest of the DNA viruses, has linear (-) ssDNA and presents as childhood infection, fever and rash. What is this?
Parvovirus - genome encodes only 2 proteins; only replicates in dividing cells
Describe how HPV viral proteins disrupt the host cell cycle.
- E6 binds p53 so there is no cellular apoptosis
2. E7 binds Rb so txn is no longer inhibited, resulting in prolonged DNA replication
Why is HPV associated with cervical cancer? Describe the mechanism.
HPV expresses early genes that make viral proteins (E6 and E7) that causes constant cellular proliferation. This can increase the risk of malignancy resulting in genital and cervical cancers.
Describe the transmission, features and Dx of: Smallpox virus
Tsm: respiratory or fomites;
Cx: fever, malaise;
Dx: progressive pox rash with live virus in vesicular fluid
The rash presents with lesions that are the SAME STAGE
Describe the viruses, spread, latency and effects of: Alpha Herpes subfamily
- VZV, HSV 1 and 2
- rapid spread
- latent @ sensory ganglia
- destroy infected cells (cold sores)
Describe the viruses, spread, latency and effects of: Beta Herpes subfamily
- CMV, HHV6, HHV7
- Slow infectivity
- latent @ monocytes
- LARGE infected cells
Describe the viruses, spread, latency and effects of: Gamma Herpes subfamily
- EBV, HHV8
- infection specific to T or B-cells
- latent @ lymph tissue
- Associated with lymphomas
List 5 ways in which Herpes Viruses can evade the immune system.
- Inhibit cytokine activity
- Decrease MHC class I
- Inhibit interferon activity
- Block apoptosis
- Hinder macrophage activation
What are 2 main defenders of our immune system that can activate against the Herpes virus?
- NK cells kill infected cells that do not have MHC 1 on cell surface.
- CD8’s recognize viral glycoproteins on infected cell surfaces
What viral substance prevents the cell from coming out of latency?
Infect Cell Protein O hybridizes to ICPO Gene to inhibit infection during latency. This is an example of a viral latency-associated transcript (LAT).
What is the relationship between Varicella and Zoster, in regards to alpha-viruses?
Varicella (chicken pox) in young people is the SAME VIRUS as Zoster (Shingles) in older people. The latter is the recurrent form of Chicken pox.
Rash is systemic and presents as DIFFERENT STAGED ULCERS
Compare and contrast Chicken pox from Herpes viruses.
- HSV is localized and presents as painful lesions, latent in one ganglion;
- Chicken pox is SYSTEMIC and presents as itching lesions, latency in multiple nerves
Describe the Dx, spread, latency and effects of: Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Dx: cytomegaly (large multinucleate giant cells);
Tsm: infected body fluids, slow infectivity;
Latency @ neutrophils and monocytes;
Cx: asymptomatic in kids, mononucleosis-like disease
Describe the Dx, spread, latency and effects of: Epstein-Barr virus
Dx: virus transforms B-cell cultures (no inclusion bodies nor cytopathic effects)
Tsm: kissing, respiratory secretions;
Latency @ B-cells;
Cx: Infectious Mononucleosis and associated w/ human tumors
Explain the relationship between Burkitt’s Lymphoma and M. falciparum.
Burkitts Lymphoma and Malaria are in the same endemic area. M. falciparum suppresses CTLs and stimulates c-myc gene to translocate. This increases B-cell proliferation to increase the amount of EBV infectivity in a patient. It’s also associated with EBV in African endemic regions.