Double stranded RNA (Rotavirus + Norovirus) Flashcards
what is the biology of the rotavirus?
icosahedral dsRNA naked double capsid
how is rotavirus spread (transmitted)?
fecal-oral transmission
who gets rotavirus?
kids under 2 y/o
what is characteristic about the rotavirus serotype?
all serotypes based on VP7
Rotavirus is the most common cause of what?
severe diarrhea for children
what cells does rotavirus target? what will happen to those cells?
targets columnar epithelial cells that cover the villi of small intestine
virus shortens microvilli and prevents absorption of water
what causes the diarrhea in rotavirus?
viral NSP4 protein acts as toxin
what is the clinical presentation of rotavirus?
gastroenteritis - vomiting and watery diarrhea
low fever, and abdominal pain
NO blood in stool or leukocytes
how can rotavirus cause death?
through hypovulemic shock (not enough fluids in the body)
how do you treat rotavirus?
rehydration
how is rotavirus prevented?
washing hands
are there vaccines against rotavirus? what are they?
yes
rotatrix (attenuated human rotavirus)
rotateq (VP7 pentavalent subunit)
what is the norovirus biology?
naked single straded positive RNA
is norovirus not resistant to stomach acids?
no, it can resist low pH
can norovirus be cultured?
no